Organosilica materials and uses thereof

ABSTRACT

Methods of preparing organosilica materials, which are a polymer comprising of at least one independent cyclic polyurea monomer of Formula 
                         
wherein each R 1  is a Z 1 OZ 2 Z 3 SiZ 4  group, wherein each Z 1  represents a hydrogen atom, a C 1 -C 4  alkyl group, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z 2  and Z 3  independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C 1 -C 4  alkyl group, a C 1 -C 4  alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z 4  represents a C 1 -C 8  alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea are provided herein. Methods of preparing and processes of using the organosilica materials, e.g., for gas separation, color removal, etc., are also provided herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Ser. No. 62/091,071 and provisional U.S. Ser. No. 62/091,077, filed Dec. 12, 2014, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein.

This application is also related to several other co-pending U.S. applications, bearing U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/965,992 (entitled “Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,001 (entitled “Methods of Producing Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,071 (entitled “Aromatic Hydrogenation Catalysts and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/965,984 (entitled “Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,383 (entitled “Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,015 (entitled “Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,407 (entitled “Coating Method Using Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,445 (entitled “Membrane Fabrication Method Using Organosilica Materials and Uses Thereof”), Ser. No. 14/966,534 (entitled “Adsorbent for Heteroatom Species Removal and Uses Thereof”), and Ser. No. 14/966,790 (entitled “Method for Separating Aromatic Compounds from Lube Basestocks”), the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Additionally, this application is further related to several other co-pending U.S. applications, bearing U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/526,512 (entitled “Organosilica Materials for Use as Adsorbents for Oxygenate Removal”), Ser. No. 15/526,524 (entitled “Supported Catalyst for Olefin Polymerization”), Ser. No. 15/526,529 (entitled “Supported Catalyst for Olefin Polymerization”), Ser. No. 15/526,513 (entitled “Supported Catalyst for Olefin Polymerization”), and Ser. No. 15/526,521 (entitled “Supported Catalyst for Olefin Polymerization”), the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to organosilica materials, methods of making and uses thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Porous inorganic solids have found great utility as catalysts and separation media for industrial application. In particular, mesoporous materials, such as silicas and aluminas, having a periodic arrangement of mesopores are attractive materials for use in adsorption, separation and catalysis processes due to their uniform and tunable pores, high surface areas and large pore volumes. The pore structure of such mesoporous materials is large enough to absorb large molecules and the pore wall structure can be as thin as about 1 nm. Further, such mesoporous materials are known to have large specific surface areas (e.g., 1000 m²/g) and large pore volumes (e.g., 1 cm³/g). For these reasons, such mesoporous materials enable reactive catalysts, adsorbents composed of a functional organic compound, and other molecules to rapidly diffuse into the pores and therefore, can be advantageous over zeolites, which have smaller pore sizes. Consequently, such mesoporous materials can be useful not only for catalysis of high-speed catalytic reactions, but also as large capacity adsorbents.

It was further discovered that the inclusion of some organic groups in the mesoporous framework can provide adjustable reactive surfaces and also contributes to uniformity in pore size, higher mechanical strength, and hydrothermal stability of the material. Thus, mesoporous organosilica materials can exhibit unique properties compared to mesoporous silica such as enhanced hydrothermal stability, chemical stability, and mechanical properties. Organic groups can be incorporated using bridged silsesquioxane precursors of the form Si—R—Si to form mesoporous organosilicas.

Mesoporous organosilicas are conventionally formed by the self-assembly of the silsequioxane precursor in the presence of a structure directing agent, a porogen and/or a framework element. The precursor is hydrolysable and condenses around the structure directing agent. These materials have been referred to as Periodic Mesoporous Organosilicates (PMOs), due to the presence of periodic arrays of parallel aligned mesoscale channels. For example, Landskron, K., et al. [Science, 302:266-269 (2003)] report the self-assembly of 1,3,5-tris[diethoxysila]cylcohexane [(EtO)₂SiCH₂]₃ in the presence of a base and the structure directing agent, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to form PMOs that are bridged organosilicas with a periodic mesoporous framework, which consist of SiO₃R or SiO₂R₂ building blocks, where R is a bridging organic group. In PMOs, the organic groups can be homogenously distributed in the pore walls. U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0059181 reports the preparation of a crystalline hybrid organic-inorganic silicate formed from 1,1,3,3,5,5 hexaethoxy-1,3,5 trisilyl cyclohexane in the presence of NaAlO₂ and base. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/003492 reports preparation of a composition formed from 1,1,3,3,5,5 hexaethoxy-1,3,5 trisilyl cyclohexane in the presence of propylene glycol monomethyl ether.

However, the use of a structure directing agent, such as a surfactant, in the preparation of an organosilica material, such as a PMO, requires a complicated, energy intensive process to eliminate the structure directing agent at the end of the preparation process. This limits the ability to scale-up the process for industrial applications. Therefore, there is a need to provide additional organosilica materials with a desirable pore diameter, pore volume and surface area. Further, there is a need to provide such organosilica materials that can be prepared by a method that can be practiced in the absence of a structure directing agent, a porogen or surfactant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been found that an organosilica material with desirable pore diameter, pore volume, and surface area can be achieved. Further, such organosilica material can be successfully prepared without the need for a structure directing agent, a porogen or surfactant.

Thus, in one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide an organosilica material, which is a polymer of at least one independent cyclic polyurea monomer of Formula

wherein each R¹ independently is a Z¹OZ²Z³SiZ⁴ group, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ represents a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea; and optionally at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of: (i) an independent unit of Formula [Z⁵OZ⁶SiCH₂]₃ (II), wherein each Z⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer, and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; (ii) an independent unit of Formula Z⁷OZ⁸Z⁹Z¹⁰Si (III), wherein each Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and (iii) an independent unit of Formula Z¹¹Z¹²Z¹³Si—R²—SiZ¹¹Z¹²Z¹³ (IV), wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group; (iv) an independent unit of Formula M¹(OZ¹⁴)₃ (V), wherein M¹ represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁴ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; (v) an independent unit of Formula (Z¹⁵O)₂M²-O—Si(OZ¹⁶)₃ (VI), wherein M² represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and (vi) a combination thereof.

In still another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for preparing the organosilica material described herein, the method comprising: (a) providing an aqueous mixture that contains essentially no structure directing agent and/or porogen, (b) adding at least one cyclic compound of Formula

into the aqueous mixture to form a solution, wherein each R³ is independently a X¹OX²X³SiX⁴ group, wherein each X¹ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ represents a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound; (c) aging the solution to produce a gel; and (d) drying the gel to obtain an organosilica material which is a polymer comprising independent polyurea units of Formula (I).

In still another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method for reducing impurities in a liquid hydrocarbon product comprising contacting the liquid hydrocarbon product with the organosilica material described herein.

In still another aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method improving color in a diesel fuel product comprising contacting the diesel fuel product with the organosilica material described herein resulting in an improved color diesel fuel product.

Other embodiments, including particular aspects of the embodiments summarized above, will be evident from the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a UV-Vis adsorption spectra for diesel feed treated with Sample 3 and diesel feed.

FIG. 2 illustrates color improvement of a diesel feed treated with Sample 3.

FIG. 3 illustrates an XRD spectrum for Sample 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an XRD spectrum for Sample 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In various aspects of the invention, organosilica materials, methods for preparing organosilica materials and gas and liquid separation processes using the organosilica materials are provided.

I. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this invention and the claims hereto, the numbering scheme for the Periodic Table Groups is according to the IUPAC Periodic Table of Elements.

The term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein is intended to include “A and B”, “A or B”, “A”, and “B”.

The terms “substituent”, “radical”, “group”, and “moiety” may be used interchangeably.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “C_(n)” means hydrocarbon(s) having n carbon atom(s) per molecule, wherein n is a positive integer.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “hydrocarbon” means a class of compounds containing hydrogen bound to carbon, and encompasses (i) saturated hydrocarbon compounds, (ii) unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, and (iii) mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds (saturated and/or unsaturated), including mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds having different values of n.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkyl” refers to a saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₂ alkyl), particularly from 1 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₈ alkyl), particularly from 1 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₆ alkyl), and particularly from 1 to 4 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₄ alkyl). Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, decyl, and so forth. The alkyl group may be linear, branched or cyclic. “Alkyl” is intended to embrace all structural isomeric forms of an alkyl group. For example, as used herein, propyl encompasses both n-propyl and isopropyl; butyl encompasses n-butyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl and tert-butyl and so forth. As used herein, “C₁ alkyl” refers to methyl (—CH₃), “C₂ alkyl” refers to ethyl (—CH₂CH₃), “C₃ alkyl” refers to propyl (—CH₂CH₂CH₃) and “C₄ alkyl” refers to butyl (e.g. —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, —(CH₃)CHCH₂CH₃, —CH₂CH(CH₃)₂, etc.). Further, as used herein, “Me” refers to methyl, and “Et” refers to ethyl, “i-Pr” refers to isopropyl, “t-Bu” refers to tert-butyl, and “Np” refers to neopentyl.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkylene” refers to a divalent alkyl moiety containing 1 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₂ alkylene) in length and meaning the alkylene moiety is attached to the rest of the molecule at both ends of the alkyl unit. For example, alkylenes include, but are not limited to, —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, etc. The alkylene group may be linear or branched.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “nitrogen-containing alkyl” refers to an alkyl group as defined herein wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkyl group is substituted with a nitrogen atom or a nitrogen-containing cyclic hydrocarbon having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e., a nitrogen-containing cyclic C₂-C₁₀ hydrocarbon), particularly having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms (i.e., a nitrogen-containing cyclic C₂-C₅ hydrocarbon), and particularly having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms (i.e., a nitrogen-containing cyclic C₂-C₅ hydrocarbon). The nitrogen-containing cyclic hydrocarbon may have one or more nitrogen atoms. The nitrogen atom(s) may optionally be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. The nitrogen-containing alkyl can have from 1 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₂ nitrogen-containing alkyl), particularly from 1 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkyl), particularly from 2 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₂-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkyl), particularly from 3 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₃-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkyl), and particularly from 3 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkyl). Examples of nitrogen-containing alkyls include, but are not limited to,

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “nitrogen-containing alkylene” refers to an alkylene group as defined herein wherein one or more carbon atoms in the alkyl group is substituted with a nitrogen atom. The nitrogen atom(s) may optionally be substituted with one or two C₁-C₆ alkyl groups. The nitrogen-containing alkylene can have from 1 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₁-C₁₂ nitrogen-containing alkylene), particularly from 2 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₂-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkylene), particularly from 3 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₃-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkylene), particularly from 4 to 10 carbon atoms (i.e. C₄-C₁₀ nitrogen-containing alkylene), and particularly from 3 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e. C₃-C₈ nitrogen-containing alkyl). Examples of nitrogen-containing alkylenes include, but are not limited to,

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkenyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₁₂ alkenyl), particularly from 2 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₈ alkenyl), particularly from 2 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₆ alkenyl), and having one or more (e.g., 2, 3, etc.) carbon-carbon double bonds. The alkenyl group may be linear, branched or cyclic. Examples of alkenyls include, but are not limited to ethenyl (vinyl), 2-propenyl, 3-propenyl, 1,4-pentadienyl, 1,4-butadienyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl and 3-butenyl. “Alkenyl” is intended to embrace all structural isomeric forms of an alkenyl. For example, butenyl encompasses 1,4-butadienyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl and 3-butenyl, etc.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkenylene” refers to a divalent alkenyl moiety containing 2 to about 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₂-C₁₂ alkenylene) in length and meaning that the alkylene moiety is attached to the rest of the molecule at both ends of the alkyl unit. For example, alkenylenes include, but are not limited to, —CH═CH—, —CH═CHCH₂—, —CH═CH═CH—, —CH₂CH₂CH═CHCH₂—, etc. —CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, etc. The alkenylene group may be linear or branched.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkynyl” refers to an unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 12 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₁₂ alkynyl), particularly from 2 to 8 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₈ alkynyl), particularly from 2 to 6 carbon atoms (i.e., C₂-C₆ alkynyl), and having one or more (e.g., 2, 3, etc.) carbon-carbon triple bonds. The alkynyl group may be linear, branched or cyclic. Examples of alkynyls include, but are not limited to ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-butynyl, and 1,3-butadiynyl. “Alkynyl” is intended to embrace all structural isomeric forms of an alkynyl. For example, butynyl encompassses 2-butynyl, and 1,3-butadiynyl and propynyl encompasses 1-propynyl and 2-propynyl (propargyl).

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkynylene” refers to a divalent alkynyl moiety containing 2 to about 12 carbon atoms (i.e. C₂-C₁₂ alkenylene) in length and meaning that the alkylene moiety is attached to the rest of the molecule at both ends of the alkyl unit. For example, alkenylenes include, but are not limited to, —C≡C—, —C≡CCH₂—, —C≡CCH₂C≡C—, —CH₂CH₂C≡CCH₂—, etc. —CH₂CH₂—, —CH(CH₃)CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, etc. The alkynlene group may be linear or branched.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “alkoxy” refers to —O-alkyl containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms. The alkoxy may be straight-chain or branched-chain. Non-limiting examples include methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, isobutoxy, tert-butoxy, pentoxy, and hexoxy. “C₁ alkoxy” refers to methoxy, “C₂ alkoxy” refers to ethoxy, “C₃ alkoxy” refers to propoxy and “C₄ alkoxy” refers to butoxy. Further, as used herein, “OMe” refers to methoxy and “OEt” refers to ethoxy.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “aromatic” refers to unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbons having a delocalized conjugated π system and having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms (aromatic C₅-C₂₀ hydrocarbon), particularly from 5 to 12 carbon atoms (aromatic C₅-C₁₂ hydrocarbon), and particularly from 5 to 10 carbon atoms (aromatic C₅-C₁₂ hydrocarbon). Exemplary aromatics include, but are not limited to benzene, toluene, xylenes, mesitylene, ethylbenzenes, cumene, naphthalene, methylnaphthalene, dimethylnaphthalenes, ethylnaphthalenes, acenaphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene, tetraphene, naphthacene, benzanthracenes, fluoranthrene, pyrene, chrysene, triphenylene, and the like, and combinations thereof. Additionally, the aromatic may comprise one or more heteroatoms. Examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, oxygen, and/or sulfur. Aromatics with one or more heteroatom include, but are not limited to furan, benzofuran, thiophene, benzothiophene, oxazole, thiazole and the like, and combinations thereof. The aromatic may comprise monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic, and/or polycyclic rings (in some embodiments, at least monocyclic rings, only monocyclic and bicyclic rings, or only monocyclic rings) and may be fused rings.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “aryl” refers to any monocyclic or polycyclic cyclized carbon radical containing 6 to 14 carbon ring atoms, wherein at least one ring is an aromatic hydrocarbon. Examples of aryls include, but are not limited to phenyl, naphthyl, pyridinyl, and indolyl.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “aralkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted with an aryl group. The alkyl group may be a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₆, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, and particularly a C₁-C₃ alkyl group. Examples of aralkyl groups include, but are not limited to phenymethyl, phenylethyl, and naphthylmethyl. The aralkyl may comprise one or more heteroatoms and be referred to as a “heteroaralkyl.” Examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen (i.e., nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl), oxygen (i.e., oxygen-containing heteroaralkyl), and/or sulfur (i.e., sulfur-containing heteroaralkyl). Examples of heteroaralkyl groups include, but are not limited to, pyridinylethyl, indolylmethyl, furylethyl, and quinolinylpropyl.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “heterocyclo” refers to fully saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated or polycyclic cyclized carbon radical containing from 4 to 20 carbon ring atoms and containing one or more heteroatoms atoms. Examples of heteroatoms include, but are not limited to, nitrogen (i.e., nitrogen-containing heterocyclo), oxygen (i.e., oxygen-containing heterocyclo), and/or sulfur (i.e., sulfur-containing heterocyclo). Examples of heterocyclo groups include, but are not limited to, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, piperazinyl, pyridyl, benzoxazolyl, quinolinyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, and piperidinyl.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “heterocycloalkyl” refers to an alkyl group substituted with heterocyclo group. The alkyl group may be a C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₆, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, and particularly a C₁-C₃ alkyl group. Examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to thienylmethyl, furylethyl, pyrrolylmethyl, piperazinylethyl, pyridylmethyl, benzoxazolylethyl, quinolinylpropyl, and imidazolylpropyl.

As used herein, the term “hydroxyl” refers to an —OH group.

As used herein, the term “mesoporous” refers to solid materials having pores that have a diameter within the range of from about 2 nm to about 50 nm.

As used herein, the term “organosilica” refers to an organosiloxane compound that comprises one or more organic groups bound to two or more Si atoms.

As used herein, the term “silanol” refers to a Si—OH group.

As used herein, the term “silanol content” refers to the percent of the Si—OH groups in a compound and can be calculated by standard methods, such as NMR.

As used herein, the terms “structure directing agent,” “SDA,” and/or “porogen” refer to one or more compounds added to the synthesis media to aid in and/or guide the polymerization and/or polycondensing and/or organization of the building blocks that form the organosilica material framework. Further, a “porogen” is understood to be a compound capable of forming voids or pores in the resultant organosilica material framework. As used herein, the term “structure directing agent” encompasses and is synonymous and interchangeable with the terms “templating agent” and “template.”

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term “adsorption” includes physisorption, chemisorption, and condensation onto a solid material and combinations thereof.

II. ORGANOSILICA MATERIALS

The invention relates to organosilica materials. In a first embodiment, the organosilica material may be a polymer of at least one independent cyclic polyurea monomer of Formula

wherein each R¹ independently can be a Z¹OZ²Z³SiZ⁴ group, wherein each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyuria.

As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, “a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer” means the bond can advantageously displace a moiety (particularly an oxygen-containing moiety such as a hydroxyl, an alkoxy or the like), if present, on a silicon atom of the another monomer so there may be a bond directly to the silicon atom of the another monomer thereby connecting the two monomers, e.g., via a Si—O—Si linkage. As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, “an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer” means that the oxygen atom can advantageously displace a moiety (particularly an oxygen-containing moiety such as a hydroxyl, an alkoxy or the like), if present, on a silicon atom of the another monomer so the oxygen atom may be bonded directly to the silicon atom of the another monomer thereby connecting the two monomers, e.g., via a Si—O—Si linkage. For clarity, in the aforementioned bonding scenarios, the “another monomer” can be a monomer of the same type or a monomer of a different type.

IIA. Monomers of Formula (I)

In various embodiments, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a bond to a silicon atom of another siloxane monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z² and Z³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z² and Z³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z² and Z³ independently can be an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁴ can be a C₁-C₇ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, a C₁-C₇ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, a C₁-C₆ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, a C₁-C₃ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, a C₁-C₂ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea, or —CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

In a particular embodiment, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be —CH₂CH₂CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z² and Z³ independently can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ can be —CH₂CH₂CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

II.B. Monomers of Formula (II)

In various embodiments, the organosilica material may further comprise another monomer in combination with independent units of Formula (I), such as at least one independent unit of Formula [Z⁵OZ⁶SiCH₂]₃ (II), wherein each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer, and each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In various embodiments, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁵ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁵ can be a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁶ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁶ can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁶ can be an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In a particular embodiment, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another embodiment, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another embodiment, each Z⁵ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ can be methyl.

II.C. Monomers of Formula (III)

In various embodiments, the organosilica material may further comprise another monomer in combination with independent units of Formula (I), such as at least one independent unit of Formula Z⁷OZ⁸Z⁹Z¹⁰Si (III), wherein each Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and

In various aspects, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a hydroxyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a hydroxyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₉ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₈ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₇ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or a methylamine. In particular, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₉ alkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing alkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.). Examples of nitrogen-containing containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups include, but are not limited to,

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group and a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group and a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group. The nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group can be a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₂ heteroaralkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ heteroaralkyl group. Examples of nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl groups include but are not limited to pyridinylethyl, pyridinylpropyl, pyridinylmethyl, indolylmethyl, pyrazinylethyl, and pyrazinylpropyl. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group and a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group and a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be a nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl group, wherein the heterocycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group. The nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl group can be a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ heterocycloalkyl group. Examples of nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl groups include but are not limited to piperazinylethyl, piperazinylpropyl, piperidinylethyl, piperidinylpropyl. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group, C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl,

and an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In a particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be methyl.

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, methoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z¹⁰ can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z⁷ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; Z⁸ and Z⁹ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each Z¹⁰ can be

II.D. Monomers of Formula (IV)

In various embodiments, the organosilica material may further comprise another monomer in combination with independent units of Formula (I), such as at least one independent unit of Formula Z¹¹Z¹²Z¹³Si—R²—SiZ¹¹Z¹²Z¹³ (IV), wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group.

In various aspects, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, methyl, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, methyl, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₁-C₇ alkylene group, a C₁-C₆ alkylene group, a C₁-C₅ alkylene group, a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₁-C₃ alkylene group, a C₁-C₂ alkylene group or —CH₂—.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and R² can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₇ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₆ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₅ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₃ alkenylene group, or —HC═CH—.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and R² can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ alkylene group and a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be a C₂-C₈ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₇ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₆ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₅ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₃ alkynylene group, or —C≡C—.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and R² can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group and a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₉ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ alkylene group, or nitrogen containing C₃-C₈ alkylene group. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing alkylene groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.). Examples of nitrogen-containing alkylene groups include, but are not limited to,

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each R² can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group and a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₄ aralkyl, or an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl. Examples of C₆-C₂₀ aralkyls include, but are not limited to, phenylmethyl, phenylethyl, and naphthylmethyl. The aralkyl may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and R² can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group and an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each R² can be an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₆ heterocycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group, or an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group. Examples of C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, thienylmethyl, furylethyl, pyrrolylmethyl, piperazinylethyl, pyridylmethyl, benzoxazolylethyl, quinolinylpropyl, and imidazolylpropyl. The heterocycloalkyl may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each R² can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl and an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, methoxy, methyl, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each R² can be selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —HC═CH—,

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be a hydroxyl group, methyl, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and each R² can be selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—,

In a particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z¹³ can be methyl; and R² can be —CH₂CH₂—.

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² can be —CH₂—.

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² can be —HC═CH—.

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently can be selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, methoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² can be a hydroxyl group, ethoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z¹³ can be methyl; and each R² can be

In another particular embodiment, each Z¹¹ can be a hydroxyl group, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² can be a hydroxyl group, methoxy, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z¹³ can be methyl; and each R² can be

II.E. Monomers of Formula (V)

In various embodiments, the organosilica material may further comprise another monomer in combination with independent units of Formula (I), such as at least one independent unit of Formula M¹(OZ¹⁴)₃ (V), wherein M¹ represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁴ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, or Uut. In particular, M¹ can be Al or B.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be Al or B and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁴ can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl. In particular, each Z¹⁴ can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be Al or B and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁴ can be a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be Al or B and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be Al or B and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M¹ can be Al and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In a particular embodiment, M¹ can be Al and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M¹ can be Al and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M¹ can be Al and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, propyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M¹ can be Al and each Z¹⁴ can be a hydrogen atom, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

II.F. Monomers of Formula (VI)

In various embodiments, the organosilica material may further comprise another monomer in combination with independent units of Formula (I), such as at least one independent unit of Formula (Z¹⁵O)₂M²-O—Si(OZ¹⁶)₃ (VI), wherein M² represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be B, Al, Ga, IN Tl, or Uut. In particular, M² can be Al or B.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁵ and/or each Z¹⁶ each can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be Al or B and each Z¹⁵ and/or each Z¹⁶ each can be a hydrogen atom.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁵ and/or each Z¹⁶ each can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl. In particular, each Z¹⁵ and/or each Z¹⁶ each can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be Al or B; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each Z¹⁵ and/or each Z¹⁶ each can be a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be Al or B; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be Al or B; each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Additionally or alternatively, M² can be Al; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In a particular embodiment, M² can be Al; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M² can be Al; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M² can be Al; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, propyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

In another particular embodiment, M² can be Al; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently can be a hydrogen atom, butyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

The organosilica materials made by the methods described herein can be characterized as described in the following sections.

II.G. X-Ray Diffraction Peaks

The organosilica materials described herein can exhibit powder X-ray diffraction patterns with one peak between about 1 and about 4 degrees 2θ, particularly one peak between about 1 and about 3 degrees 2θ or between about 1 and about 2 degrees 2θ. Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica materials can exhibit substantially no peaks in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 0.5 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 60 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 70 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 2 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 60 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 70 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 3 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 60 degrees 2θ, or about 3 to about 70 degrees 2θ.

II.H. Silanol Content

The organosilica materials can have a silanol content that varies within wide limits, depending on the composition of the synthesis solution. The silanol content can conveniently be determined by solid state silicon NMR.

In various aspects, the organosilica material can have a silanol content of greater than about 5%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 25%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 33%, greater than 35%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 41%, greater than about 44%, greater than about 45%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 55%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 65%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 75%, or about 80%. In certain embodiments, the silanol content can be greater than about 30% or greater than about 41%.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material may have a silanol content of about 5% to about 80%, about 5% to about 75%, about 5% to about 70%, about 5% to about 65%, about 5% to about 60%, about 5% to about 55%, about 5% to about 50%, about 5% to about 45%, about 5% to about 44%, about 5% to about 41%, about 5% to about 40%, about 5% to about 35%, about 5% to about 33%, about 5% to about 30%, about 5% to about 25%, about 5% to about 20%, about 5% to about 15%, about 5% to about 10%, about 10% to about 80%, about 10% to about 75%, about 10% to about 70%, about 10% to about 65%, about 10% to about 60%, about 10% to about 55%, about 10% to about 50%, about 10% to about 45%, about 10% to about 44%, about 10% to about 41%, about 10% to about 40%, about 10% to about 35%, about 10% to about 33%, about 10% to about 30%, about 10% to about 25%, about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 80%, about 20% to about 75%, about 20% to about 70%, about 20% to about 65%, about 20% to about 60%, about 20% to about 55%, about 20% to about 50%, about 20% to about 45%, about 20% to about 44%, about 20% to about 41%, about 20% to about 40%, about 20% to about 35%, about 20% to about 33%, about 20% to about 30%, about 20% to about 25%, about 30% to about 80%, about 30% to about 75%, about 30% to about 70%, about 30% to about 65%, about 30% to about 60%, about 30% to about 55%, about 30% to about 50%, about 30% to about 45%, about 30% to about 44%, about 30% to about 41%, about 30% to about 40%, about 30% to about 35%, about 30% to about 33%, about 40% to about 80%, about 40% to about 75%, about 40% to about 70%, about 40% to about 65%, about 40% to about 60%, about 40% to about 55%, about 40% to about 50%, about 40% to about 45%, about 40% to about 44%, or about 40% to about 41%.

II.I. Pore Size

The organosilica material described herein are advantageously in a mesoporous form. As indicated previously, the term mesoporous refers to solid materials having pores with a diameter within the range of from about 2 nm to about 50 nm. The average pore diameter of the organosilica material can be determined, for example, using nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques within the expertise of one of skill in the art, such as the BET (Brunauer Emmet Teller) method.

The organosilica material can have an average pore diameter of about 0.2 nm, about 0.4 nm, about 0.5 nm, about 0.6 nm, about 0.8 nm, about 1.0 nm, about 1.5 nm, about 1.8 nm or less than about 2.0 nm.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can advantageously have an average pore diameter within the mesopore range of about 2.0 nm, about 2.5 nm, about 3.0 nm, about 3.1 nm, about 3.2 nm, about 3.3 nm, about 3.4 nm, about 3.5 nm, about 3.6 nm, about 3.7 nm, about 3.8 nm, about 3.9 nm about 4.0 nm, about 4.1 nm, about 4.5 nm, about 5.0 nm, about 6.0 nm, about 7.0 nm, about 7.3 nm, about 8 nm, about 8.4 nm, about 9 nm, about 10 nm, about 11 nm, about 13 nm, about 15 nm, about 18 nm, about 20 nm, about 23 nm, about 25 nm, about 30 nm, about 40 nm, about 45 nm, or about 50 nm.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can have an average pore diameter of 0.2 nm to about 50 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 40 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 30 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 25 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 23 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 20 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 18 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 15 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 13 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 11 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 10 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 9 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 8.4 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 8 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 7.3 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 7.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 6.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 5.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 4.5 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 4.1 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 4.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.9 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.8 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.7 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.6 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.5 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.4 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.3 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.2 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.1 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 3.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 2.5 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 2.0 nm, about 0.2 nm to about 1.0 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 50 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 40 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 30 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 25 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 23 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 20 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 18 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 15 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 13 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 11 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 10 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 9 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 8.4 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 8 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 7.3 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 7.0 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 6.0 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 5.0 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 4.5 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 4.1 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 4.0 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.9 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.8 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.7 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.6 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.5 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.4 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.3 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.2 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.1 nm, about 1.0 nm to about 3.0 nm or about 1.0 nm to about 2.5 nm.

In particular, the organosilica material can advantageously have an average pore diameter in the mesopore range of about 2.0 nm to about 50 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 40 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 30 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 25 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 23 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 20 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 18 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 15 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 13 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 11 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 10 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 9 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 8.4 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 8 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 7.3 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 7.0 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 6.0 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 5.0 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 4.5 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 4.1 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 4.0 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.9 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.8 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.7 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.6 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.5 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.4 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.3 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.2 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.1 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 3.0 nm, about 2.0 nm to about 2.5 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 50 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 40 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 30 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 25 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 23 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 20 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 18 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 15 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 13 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 11 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 10 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 9 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 8.4 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 8 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 7.3 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 7.0 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 6.0 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 5.0 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 4.5 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 4.1 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 4.0 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.9 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.8 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.7 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.6 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.5 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.4 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.3 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.2 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.1 nm, about 2.5 nm to about 3.0 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 50 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 40 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 30 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 25 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 23 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 20 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 18 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 15 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 13 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 11 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 10 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 9 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 8.4 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 8 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 7.3 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 7.0 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 6.0 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 5.0 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 4.5 nm, about 3.0 nm to about 4.1 nm, or about 3.0 nm to about 4.0 nm.

In one particular embodiment, the organosilica material described herein can have an average pore diameter of about 1.0 nm to about 30.0 nm, particularly about 1.0 nm to about 25.0 nm, particularly about 1.5 nm to about 25.0 nm, particularly about 2.0 nm to about 25.0 nm, particularly about 2.0 nm to about 20.0 nm, particularly about 2.0 nm to about 15.0 nm, or particularly about 2.0 nm to about 10.0 nm.

Using surfactant as a template to synthesize mesoporous materials can create highly ordered structure, e.g. well-defined cylindrical-like pore channels. In some circumstances, there may be no hysteresis loop observed from N₂ adsorption isotherm. In other circumstances, for instance where mesoporous materials can have less ordered pore structures, a hysteresis loop may be observed from N2 adsorption isotherm experiments. In such circumstances, without being bound by theory, the hysteresis can result from the lack of regularity in the pore shapes/sizes and/or from bottleneck constrictions in such irregular pores.

II.J. Surface Area

The surface area of the organosilica material can be determined, for example, using nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques within the expertise of one of skill in the art, such as the BET (Brunauer Emmet Teller) method. This method may determine a total surface area, an external surface area, and a microporous surface area. As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, “total surface area” refers to the total surface area as determined by the BET method. As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, “microporous surface area” refers to microporous surface are as determined by the BET method.

In various embodiments, the organosilica material can have a total surface area greater than or equal to about 100 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 200 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 300 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 400 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 450 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 500 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 550 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 600 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 700 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 800 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 850 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 900 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,000 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,050 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,100 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,150 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,200 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,250 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,300 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,400 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,450 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,500 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,550 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,600 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,700 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,800 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 1,900 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 2,000 m²/g, greater than or equal to greater than or equal to about 2,100 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 2,200 m²/g, greater than or equal to about 2,300 m²/g or about 2,500 m²/g.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material may have a total surface area of about 50 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, about 50 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 50 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, about 50 m²/g to about 1,000 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 2,300 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 2,200 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 2,100 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,900 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,800 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,700 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,600 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,550 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,450 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,400 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,300 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,250 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,200 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,150 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,100 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,050 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 1,000 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 900 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 850 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 800 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 700 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 600 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 550 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 500 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 450 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 400 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 300 m²/g, about 100 m²/g to about 200 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 2,300 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 2,200 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 2,100 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,900 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,800 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,700 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,600 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,550 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,450 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,400 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,300 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,250 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,200 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,150 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,100 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,050 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 1,000 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 900 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 850 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 800 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 700 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 600 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 550 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 500 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 450 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 400 m²/g, about 200 m²/g to about 300 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 2,300 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 2,200 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 2,100 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,900 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,800 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,700 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,600 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,550 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,450 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,400 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,300 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,250 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,200 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,150 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,100 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,050 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 1,000 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 900 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 850 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 800 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 700 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 600 m²/g, about 500 m²/g to about 550 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 2,500 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 2,300 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 2,200 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 2,100 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,900 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,800 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,700 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,600 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,550 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,450 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,400 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,300 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,250 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,200 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,150 m²/g, about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,100 m²/g, or about 1,000 m²/g to about 1,050 m²/g.

In one particular embodiment, the organosilica material described herein may have a total surface area of about 200 m²/g to about 2,500 m²g, particularly about 400 m²/g to about 2,500 m²g, particularly about 400 m²/g to about 2,000 m²/g, or particularly about 400 m²/g to about 1,500 m²/g.

II.K. Pore Volume

The pore volume of the organosilica material made by the methods described herein can be determined, for example, using nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm techniques within the expertise of one of skill in the art, such as the BET (Brunauer Emmet Teller) method.

In various embodiments, the organosilica material can have a pore volume greater than or equal to about 0.1 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.2 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.3 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.4 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.5 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.6 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.7 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.8 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 0.9 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.1 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.2 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.3 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.4 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.5 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.6 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.7 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.8 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 1.9 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 2.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 2.5 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 3.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 3.5 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 4.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 5.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 6.0 cm³/g, greater than or equal to about 7.0 cm³/g, or about 10.0 cm³/g.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can have a pore volume of about 0.1 cm³/g to about 10.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 7.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 6.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 5.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 4.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 3.5 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 2.5 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 2.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.9 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.8 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.7 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.6 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.5 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.4 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.3 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.2 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.1, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 1.0 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.9 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.8 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.7 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.6 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.5 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.4 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.3 cm³/g, about 0.1 cm³/g to about 0.2 cm³/g, 0.2 cm³/g to about 10.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 7.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 6.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 5.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 4.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 3.5 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 2.5 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 2.0 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.9 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.8 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.7 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.6 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.5 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.4 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.3 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.2 cm³/g, about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.1, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.9 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.8 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.7 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.6 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.5 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.4 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.3 cm³/g, 0.5 cm³/g to about 10.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 7.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 6.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 5.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 4.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 3.5 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 2.5 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 2.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.9 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.8 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.7 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.6 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.5 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.4 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.3 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.2 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.1, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 1.0 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.9 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.8 cm³/g, about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.7 cm³/g, or about 0.5 cm³/g to about 0.6 cm³/g.

In a particular embodiment, the organosilica material can have a pore volume of about 0.1 cm³/g to about 5.0 cm³/g, particularly about 0.1 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g, particularly about 0.2 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g, particularly about 0.2 cm³/g to about 2.5 cm³/g, or particularly about 0.2 cm³/g to about 1.5 cm³/g.

II.L. Additional Metals

In some embodiments, the organosilica material can further comprise at least one catalyst metal incorporated within the pores of the organosilica material. Exemplary catalyst metals can include, but are not limited to, a Group 6 element, a Group 8 element, a Group 9 element, a Group 10 element or a combination thereof. Exemplary Group 6 elements can include, but are not limited to, chromium, molybdenum, and/or tungsten, particularly including molybdenum and/or tungsten. Exemplary Group 8 elements can include, but are not limited to, iron, ruthenium, and/or osmium. Exemplary Group 9 elements can include, but are not limited to, cobalt, rhodium, and/or iridium, particularly including cobalt. Exemplary Group 10 elements can include, but are not limited to, nickel, palladium and/or platinum.

The catalyst metal can be incorporated into the organosilica material by any convenient method, such as by impregnation, by ion exchange, or by complexation to surface sites. The catalyst metal so incorporated may be employed to promote any one of a number of catalytic transformations commonly conducted in petroleum refining or petrochemicals production. Examples of such catalytic processes can include, but are not limited to, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, aromatization, aromatic saturation, hydrodesulfurization, olefin oligomerization, polymerization, hydrodenitrogenation, hydrocracking, naphtha reforming, paraffin isomerization, aromatic transalkylation, saturation of double/triple bonds, and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

Thus, in another embodiment, a catalyst material comprising the organosilica material described herein is provided. The catalyst material may optionally comprise a binder or be self-bound. Suitable binders, include but are not limited to active and inactive materials, synthetic or naturally occurring zeolites, as well as inorganic materials such as clays and/or oxides such as silica, alumina, zirconia, titania, silica-alumina, cerium oxide, magnesium oxide, or combinations thereof. In particular, the binder may be silica-alumina, alumina and/or a zeolite, particularly alumina. Silica-alumina may be either naturally occurring or in the form of gelatinous precipitates or gels including mixtures of silica and metal oxides. It should be noted it is recognized herein that the use of a material in conjunction with a zeolite binder material, i.e., combined therewith or present during its synthesis, which itself is catalytically active may change the conversion and/or selectivity of the finished catalyst. It is also recognized herein that inactive materials can suitably serve as diluents to control the amount of conversion if the present invention is employed in alkylation processes so that alkylation products can be obtained economically and orderly without employing other means for controlling the rate of reaction. These inactive materials may be incorporated into naturally occurring clays, e.g., bentonite and kaolin, to improve the crush strength of the catalyst under commercial operating conditions and function as binders or matrices for the catalyst. The catalysts described herein typically can comprise, in a composited form, a ratio of support material to binder material of about 100 parts support material to about zero parts binder material; about 99 parts support material to about 1 parts binder material; about 95 parts support material to about 5 parts binder material. Additionally or alternatively, the catalysts described herein typically can comprise, in a composited form, a ratio of support material to binder material ranging from about 90 parts support material to about 10 parts binder material to about 10 parts support material to about 90 parts binder material; about 85 parts support material to about 15 parts binder material to about 15 parts support material to about 85 parts binder material; about 80 parts support material to 20 parts binder material to 20 parts support material to 80 parts binder material, all ratios being by weight, typically from 80:20 to 50:50 support material:binder material, preferably from 65:35 to 35:65. Compositing may be done by conventional means including mulling the materials together followed by extrusion of pelletizing into the desired finished catalyst particles.

In some embodiments, the organosilica material can further comprise cationic metal sites incorporated into the network structure. Such cationic metal sites may be incorporated by any convenient method, such as impregnation or complexation to the surface, through an organic precursor, or by some other method. This organometallic material may be employed in a number of hydrocarbon separations conducted in petroleum refining or petrochemicals production. Examples of such compounds to be desirably separated from petrochemicals/fuels can include olefins, paraffins, aromatics, and the like.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can further comprise a surface metal incorporated within the pores of the organosilica material. The surface metal can be selected from a Group 1 element, a Group 2 element, a Group 13 element, and a combination thereof. When a Group 1 element is present, it can preferably comprise or be sodium and/or potassium. When a Group 2 element is present, it can include, but may not be limited to, magnesium and/or calcium. When a Group 13 element is present, it can include, but may not be limited to, boron and/or aluminum.

One or more of the Group 1, 2, 6, 8-10 and/or 13 elements may be present on an exterior and/or interior surface of the organosilica material. For example, one or more of the Group 1, 2 and/or 13 elements may be present in a first layer on the organosilica material and one or more of the Group 6, 8, 9 and/or 10 elements may be present in a second layer, e.g., at least partially atop the Group 1, 2 and/or 13 elements. Additionally or alternatively, only one or more Group 6, 8, 9 and/or 10 elements may present on an exterior and/or interior surface of the organosilica material. The surface metal(s) can be incorporated into/onto the organosilica material by any convenient method, such as by impregnation, deposition, grafting, co-condensation, by ion exchange, and/or the like.

III. METHODS OF MAKING ORGANOSILICA MATERIALS

In another embodiment, methods of producing the organosilica material described herein are provided. The method comprises:

(a) providing an aqueous mixture that contains essentially no structure directing agent and/or porogen;

(b) adding at least one cyclic compound of Formula

into the aqueous mixture to form a solution, wherein each R³ independently can be a X¹OX²X³SiX⁴ group, wherein each X¹ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ can be a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound;

(c) aging the solution to produce a pre-product; and

(d) drying the pre-product to obtain an organosilica material which is a polymer comprising at least one independent cyclic urea monomer of Formula (I) as described herein.

Additionally or alternatively, the at least one compound of Formula (Ia) can be added in step (b) as at least partially hydroxylated and/or as at least partially polymerized/oligomerized, such that each X¹ can more broadly represent a hydrogen, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another siloxane and each X² and X³ can more broadly represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another siloxane/monomer. In other words, an unaged pre-product can be added in step (b), in addition to or as an alternative to the monomeric (at least one) compound of Formula (Ia).

III.A. Aqueous Mixture

The organosilica materials described herein may be made using essentially no structure directing agent or porogen. Thus, the aqueous mixture contains essentially no added structure directing agent and/or no added porogen.

As used herein, “no added structure directing agent,” and “no added porogen” means either (i) there is no component present in the synthesis of the organosilica material that aids in and/or guides the polymerization and/or polycondensing and/or organization of the building blocks that form the framework of the organosilica material; or (ii) such component is present in the synthesis of the organosilica material in a minor, or a non-substantial, or a negligible amount such that the component cannot be said to aid in and/or guide the polymerization and/or polycondensing and/or organization of the building blocks that form the framework of the organosilica material. Further, “no added structure directing agent” is synonymous with “no added template” and “no added templating agent.”

1. Structure Directing Agent

Examples of a structure directing agent can include, but are not limited to, non-ionic surfactants, ionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, silicon surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, polyalkylene oxide surfactants, fluorosurfactants, colloidal crystals, polymers, hyper branched molecules, star-shaped molecules, macromolecules, dendrimers, and combinations thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the surface directing agent can comprise or be a poloxamer, a triblock polymer, a tetraalkylammonium salt, a nonionic polyoxyethylene alkyl, a Gemini surfactant, or a mixture thereof. Examples of a tetraalkylammonium salt can include, but are not limited to, cetyltrimethylammonium halides, such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), and octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride. Other exemplary surface directing agents can additionally or alternatively include hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride and/or cetylpyridinium bromide.

Poloxamers are block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, more particularly nonionic triblock copolymers composed of a central hydrophobic chain of polyoxypropylene (poly(propylene oxide)) flanked by two hydrophilic chains of polyoxyethylene (poly(ethylene oxide)). Specifically, the term “poloxamer” refers to a polymer having the formula HO(C₂H₄))a(C₃H₆O)_(b)(C₂H₄O)_(a)H in which “a” and “b” denote the number of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene units, respectively. Poloxamers are also known by the trade name Pluronic®, for example Pluronic® 123 and Pluronic® F127. An additional triblock polymer is B50-6600.

Nonionic polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers are known by the trade name Brij®, for example Brij® 56, Brij® 58, Brij® 76, Brij® 78. Gemini surfactants are compounds having at least two hydrophobic groups and at least one or optionally two hydrophilic groups per molecule have been introduced.

2. Porogen

A porogen material is capable of forming domains, discrete regions, voids and/or pores in the organosilica material. An example of a porogen is a block copolymer (e.g., a di-block polymer). As used herein, porogen does not include water. Examples of polymer porogens can include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl aromatics, such as polystyrenes, polyvinylpyridines, hydrogenated polyvinyl aromatics, polyacrylonitriles, polyalkylene oxides, such as polyethylene oxides and polypropylene oxides, polyethylenes, polylactic acids, polysiloxanes, polycaprolactones, polycaprolactams, polyurethanes, polymethacrylates, such as polymethylmethacrylate or polymethacrylic acid, polyacrylates, such as polymethylacrylate and polyacrylic acid, polydienes such as polybutadienes and polyisoprenes, polyvinyl chlorides, polyacetals, and amine-capped alkylene oxides, as well as combinations thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, porogens can be thermoplastic homopolymers and random (as opposed to block) copolymers. As used herein, “homopolymer” means compounds comprising repeating units from a single monomer. Suitable thermoplastic materials can include, but are not limited to, homopolymers or copolymers of polystyrenes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polybutadienes, polyisoprenes, polyphenylene oxides, polypropylene oxides, polyethylene oxides, poly(dimethylsiloxanes), polytetrahydrofurans, polyethylenes, polycyclohexylethylenes, polyethyloxazolines, polyvinylpyridines, polycaprolactones, polylactic acids, copolymers of these materials and mixtures of these materials. Examples of polystyrene include, but are not limited to anionic polymerized polystyrene, syndiotactic polystyrene, unsubstituted and substituted polystyrenes (for example, poly(α-methyl styrene)). The thermoplastic materials may be linear, branched, hyperbranched, dendritic, or star like in nature.

Additionally or alternatively, the porogen can be a solvent. Examples of solvents can include, but are not limited to, ketones (e.g., cyclohexanone, cyclopentanone, 2-heptanone, cycloheptanone, cyclooctanone, cyclohexylpyrrolidinone, methyl isobutyl ketone, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone), carbonate compounds (e.g., ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate), heterocyclic compounds (e.g., 3-methyl-2-oxazolidinone, dimethylimidazolidinone, N-methylpyrrolidone, pyridine), cyclic ethers (e.g., dioxane, tetrahydrofuran), chain ethers (e.g., diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol dimethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME), triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, propylene glycol phenyl ether, tripropylene glycol methyl ether), alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol), polyhydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol), nitrile compounds (e.g., acetonitrile, glutarodinitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, propionitrile, benzonitrile), esters (e.g., ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, methyl methoxypropionate, ethyl ethoxypropionate, methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, propyl pyruvate, 2-methoxyethyl acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate, propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA), butyrolactone, phosphoric acid ester, phosphonic acid ester), aprotic polar substances (e.g., dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfolane, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide), nonpolar solvents (e.g., toluene, xylene, mesitylene), chlorine-based solvents (e.g., methylene dichloride, ethylene dichloride), benzene, dichlorobenzene, naphthalene, diphenyl ether, diisopropylbenzene, triethylamine, methyl benzoate, ethyl benzoate, butyl benzoate, monomethyl ether acetate hydroxy ethers such as dibenzylethers, diglyme, triglyme, and mixtures thereof.

3. Base/Acid

In various embodiments, the aqueous mixture used in methods provided herein can comprise a base and/or an acid.

In certain embodiments where the aqueous mixture comprises a base, the aqueous mixture can have a pH from about 8 to about 15, from about 8 to about 14.5, from about 8 to about 14, from about 8 to about 13.5, from about 8 to about 13, from about 8 to about 12.5, from about 8 to about 12, from about 8 to about 11.5, from about 8 to about 11, from about 8 to about 10.5, from about 8 to about 10, from about 8 to about 9.5, from about 8 to about 9, from about 8 to about 8.5, from about 8.5 to about 15, from about 8.5 to about 14.5, from about 8.5 to about 14, from about 8.5 to about 13.5, from about 8.5 to about 13, from about 8.5 to about 12.5, from about 8.5 to about 12, from about 8.5 to about 11.5, from about 8.5 to about 11, from about 8.5 to about 10.5, from about 8.5 to about 10, from about 8.5 to about 9.5, from about 8.5 to about 9, from about 9 to about 15, from about 9 to about 14.5, from about 9 to about 14, from about 9 to about 13.5, from about 9 to about 13, from about 9 to about 12.5, from about 9 to about 12, from about 9 to about 11.5, from about 9 to about 11, from about 9 to about 10.5, from about 9 to about 10, from about 9 to about 9.5, from about 9.5 to about 15, from about 9.5 to about 14.5, from about 9.5 to about 14, from about 9.5 to about 13.5, from about 9.5 to about 13, from about 9.5 to about 12.5, from about 9.5 to about 12, from about 9.5 to about 11.5, from about 9.5 to about 11, from about 9.5 to about 10.5, from about 9.5 to about 10, from about 10 to about 15, from about 10 to about 14.5, from about 10 to about 14, from about 10 to about 13.5, from about 10 to about 13, from about 10 to about 12.5, from about 10 to about 12, from about 10 to about 11.5, from about 10 to about 11, from about 10 to about 10.5, from about 10.5 to about 15, from about 10.5 to about 14.5, from about 10.5 to about 14, from about 10.5 to about 13.5, from about 10.5 to about 13, from about 10.5 to about 12.5, from about 10.5 to about 12, from about 10.5 to about 11.5, from about 10.5 to about 11, from about 11 to about 15, from about 11 to about 14.5, from about 11 to about 14, from about 11 to about 13.5, from about 11 to about 13, from about 11 to about 12.5, from about 11 to about 12, from about 11 to about 11.5, from about 11.5 to about 15, from about 11.5 to about 14.5, from about 11.5 to about 14, from about 11.5 to about 13.5, from about 11.5 to about 13, from about 11.5 to about 12.5, from about 11.5 to about 12, from about 12 to about 15, from about 12 to about 14.5, from about 12 to about 14, from about 12 to about 13.5, from about 12 to about 13, from about 12 to about 12.5, from about 12.5 to about 15, from about 12.5 to about 14.5, from about 12.5 to about 14, from about 12.5 to about 13.5, from about 12.5 to about 13, from about 12.5 to about 15, from about 12.5 to about 14.5, from about 12.5 to about 14, from about 12.5 to about 13.5, from about 12.5 to about 13, from about 13 to about 15, from about 13 to about 14.5, from about 13 to about 14, from about 13 to about 13.5, from about 13.5 to about 15, from about 13.5 to about 14.5, from about 13.5 to about 14, from about 14 to about 15, from about 14 to about 14.5, and from about 14.5 to about 15.

In a particular embodiment comprising a base, the pH can be from about 9 to about 15, from about 9 to about 14 or from about 8 to about 14.

Exemplary bases can include, but are not limited to, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, pyridine, pyrrole, piperazine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, picoline, monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, dimethylmonoethanolamine, monomethyldiethanolamine, triethanolamine, diazabicyclooctane, diazabicyclononane, diazabicycloundecene, tetramethylammonium hydroxide, tetraethylammonium hydroxide, tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, octylamine, nonylamine, decylamine, N,N-dimethylamine, N,N-diethylamine, N,N-dipropylamine, N,N-dibutylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, cyclohexylamine, trimethylimidine, 1-amino-3-methylbutane, dimethylglycine, 3-amino-3-methylamine, and the like. These bases may be used either singly or in combination. In a particular embodiment, the base can comprise or be sodium hydroxide and/or ammonium hydroxide.

In certain embodiments where the aqueous mixture comprises an acid, the aqueous mixture can have a pH from about 0.1 to about 6.0, about 0.1 to about 5.5, about 0.1 to about 5.0, from about 0.1 to about 4.8, from about 0.1 to about 4.5, from about 0.1 to about 4.2, from about 0.1 to about 4.0, from about 0.1 to about 3.8, from about 0.1 to about 3.5, from about 0.1 to about 3.2, from about 0.1 to about 3.0, from about 0.1 to about 2.8, from about 0.1 to about 2.5, from about 0.1 to about 2.2, from about 0.1 to about 2.0, from about 0.1 to about 1.8, from about 0.1 to about 1.5, from about 0.1 to about 1.2, from about 0.1 to about 1.0, from about 0.1 to about 0.8, from about 0.1 to about 0.5, from about 0.1 to about 0.2, about 0.2 to about 6.0, about 0.2 to about 5.5, from about 0.2 to about 5, from about 0.2 to about 4.8, from about 0.2 to about 4.5, from about 0.2 to about 4.2, from about 0.2 to about 4.0, from about 0.2 to about 3.8, from about 0.2 to about 3.5, from about 0.2 to about 3.2, from about 0.2 to about 3.0, from about 0.2 to about 2.8, from about 0.2 to about 2.5, from about 0.2 to about 2.2, from about 0.2 to about 2.0, from about 0.2 to about 1.8, from about 0.2 to about 1.5, from about 0.2 to about 1.2, from about 0.2 to about 1.0, from about 0.2 to about 0.8, from about 0.2 to about 0.5, about 0.5 to about 6.0, about 0.5 to about 5.5, from about 0.5 to about 5, from about 0.5 to about 4.8, from about 0.5 to about 4.5, from about 0.5 to about 4.2, from about 0.5 to about 4.0, from about 0.5 to about 3.8, from about 0.5 to about 3.5, from about 0.5 to about 3.2, from about 0.5 to about 3.0, from about 0.5 to about 2.8, from about 0.5 to about 2.5, from about 0.5 to about 2.2, from about 0.5 to about 2.0, from about 0.5 to about 1.8, from about 0.5 to about 1.5, from about 0.5 to about 1.2, from about 0.5 to about 1.0, from about 0.5 to about 0.8, about 0.8 to about 6.0, about 0.8 to about 5.5, from about 0.8 to about 5, from about 0.8 to about 4.8, from about 0.8 to about 4.5, from about 0.8 to about 4.2, from about 0.8 to about 4.0, from about 0.8 to about 3.8, from about 0.8 to about 3.5, from about 0.8 to about 3.2, from about 0.8 to about 3.0, from about 0.8 to about 2.8, from about 0.8 to about 2.5, from about 0.8 to about 2.2, from about 0.8 to about 2.0, from about 0.8 to about 1.8, from about 0.8 to about 1.5, from about 0.8 to about 1.2, from about 0.8 to about 1.0, about 1.0 to about 6.0, about 1.0 to about 5.5, from about 1.0 to about 5.0, from about 1.0 to about 4.8, from about 1.0 to about 4.5, from about 1.0 to about 4.2, from about 1.0 to about 4.0, from about 1.0 to about 3.8, from about 1.0 to about 3.5, from about 1.0 to about 3.2, from about 1.0 to about 3.0, from about 1.0 to about 2.8, from about 1.0 to about 2.5, from about 1.0 to about 2.2, from about 1.0 to about 2.0, from about 1.0 to about 1.8, from about 1.0 to about 1.5, from about 1.0 to about 1.2, about 1.2 to about 6.0, about 1.2 to about 5.5, from about 1.2 to about 5.0, from about 1.2 to about 4.8, from about 1.2 to about 4.5, from about 1.2 to about 4.2, from about 1.2 to about 4.0, from about 1.2 to about 3.8, from about 1.2 to about 3.5, from about 1.2 to about 3.2, from about 1.2 to about 3.0, from about 1.2 to about 2.8, from about 1.2 to about 2.5, from about 1.2 to about 2.2, from about 1.2 to about 2.0, from about 1.2 to about 1.8, from about 1.2 to about 1.5, about 1.5 to about 6.0, about 1.5 to about 5.5, from about 1.5 to about 5.0, from about 1.5 to about 4.8, from about 1.5 to about 4.5, from about 1.5 to about 4.2, from about 1.5 to about 4.0, from about 1.5 to about 3.8, from about 1.5 to about 3.5, from about 1.5 to about 3.2, from about 1.5 to about 3.0, from about 1.5 to about 2.8, from about 1.5 to about 2.5, from about 1.5 to about 2.2, from about 1.5 to about 2.0, from about 1.5 to about 1.8, about 1.8 to about 6.0, about 1.8 to about 5.5, from about 1.8 to about 5.0, from about 1.8 to about 4.8, from about 1.8 to about 4.5, from about 1.8 to about 4.2, from about 1.8 to about 4.0, from about 1.8 to about 3.8, from about 1.8 to about 3.5, from about 1.8 to about 3.2, from about 1.8 to about 3.0, from about 1.8 to about 2.8, from about 1.8 to about 2.5, from about 1.8 to about 2.2, from about 1.8 to about 2.0, about 2.0 to about 6.0, about 2.0 to about 5.5, from about 2.0 to about 5.0, from about 2.0 to about 4.8, from about 2.0 to about 4.5, from about 2.0 to about 4.2, from about 2.0 to about 4.0, from about 2.0 to about 3.8, from about 2.0 to about 3.5, from about 2.0 to about 3.2, from about 2.0 to about 3.0, from about 2.0 to about 2.8, from about 2.0 to about 2.5, from about 2.0 to about 2.2, about 2.2 to about 6.0, about 2.2 to about 5.5, from about 2.2 to about 5.0, from about 2.2 to about 4.8, from about 2.2 to about 4.5, from about 2.2 to about 4.2, from about 2.2 to about 4.0, from about 2.2 to about 3.8, from about 2.2 to about 3.5, from about 2.2 to about 3.2, from about 2.2 to about 3.0, from about 2.2 to about 2.8, from about 2.2 to about 2.5, about 2.5 to about 6.0, about 2.5 to about 5.5, from about 2.5 to about 5.0, from about 2.5 to about 4.8, from about 2.5 to about 4.5, from about 2.5 to about 4.2, from about 2.5 to about 4.0, from about 2.5 to about 3.8, from about 2.5 to about 3.5, from about 2.5 to about 3.2, from about 2.5 to about 3.0, from about 2.5 to about 2.8, from about 2.8 to about 6.0, about 2.8 to about 5.5, from about 2.8 to about 5.0, from about 2.8 to about 4.8, from about 2.8 to about 4.5, from about 2.8 to about 4.2, from about 2.8 to about 4.0, from about 2.8 to about 3.8, from about 2.8 to about 3.5, from about 2.8 to about 3.2, from about 2.8 to about 3.0, from about 3.0 to about 6.0, from about 3.5 to about 5.5, from about 3.0 to about 5.0, from about 3.0 to about 4.8, from about 3.0 to about 4.5, from about 3.0 to about 4.2, from about 3.0 to about 4.0, from about 3.0 to about 3.8, from about 3.0 to about 3.5, from about 3.0 to about 3.2, from about 3.2 to about 6.0, from about 3.2 to about 5.5, from about 3.2 to about 5, from about 3.2 to about 4.8, from about 3.2 to about 4.5, from about 3.2 to about 4.2, from about 3.2 to about 4.0, from about 3.2 to about 3.8, from about 3.2 to about 3.5, from about 3.5 to about 6.0, from about 3.5 to about 5.5, from about 3.5 to about 5, from about 3.5 to about 4.8, from about 3.5 to about 4.5, from about 3.5 to about 4.2, from about 3.5 to about 4.0, from about 3.5 to about 3.8, from about 3.8 to about 5, from about 3.8 to about 4.8, from about 3.8 to about 4.5, from about 3.8 to about 4.2, from about 3.8 to about 4.0, from about 4.0 to about 6.0, from about 4.0 to about 5.5, from about 4.0 to about 5, from about 4.0 to about 4.8, from about 4.0 to about 4.5, from about 4.0 to about 4.2, from about 4.2 to about 5, from about 4.2 to about 4.8, from about 4.2 to about 4.5, from about 4.5 to about 5, from about 4.5 to about 4.8, or from about 4.8 to about 5.

In a particular embodiment comprising an acid, the pH can be from about 0.01 to about 6.0, about 0.2 to about 6.0, about 0.2 to about 5.0 or about 0.2 to about 4.5.

Exemplary acids can include, but are not limited to, inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid and oxalic acid; and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, butanoic acid, pentanoic acid, hexanoic acid, heptanoic acid, octanoic acid, nonanoic acid, decanoic acid, oxalic acid, maleic acid, methylmalonic acid, adipic acid, sebacic acid, gallic acid, butyric acid, mellitic acid, arachidonic acid, shikimic acid, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, p-amino-benzoic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid, malonic acid, sulfonic acid, phthalic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, itaconic acid, mesaconic acid, citraconic acid, malic acid, a hydrolysate of glutaric acid, a hydrolysate of maleic anhydride, a hydrolysate of phthalic anhydride, and the like. These acids may be used either singly or in combination. In a particular embodiment, the acid can comprise or be hydrochloric acid.

III.B. Compounds of Formula (Ia)

The methods provided herein comprise the step of adding at least one cyclic compound of Formula

into the aqueous mixture to form a solution, wherein each R³ independently can be a X¹OX²X³SiX⁴ group, wherein each X¹ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ can be a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound

In various embodiments, each X¹ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl, a C₁-C₃ alkyl, a C₁-C₂ alkyl or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹ can be C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁴ can be a C₁-C₇ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, a C₁-C₇ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, a C₁-C₆ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, a C₁-C₃ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, a C₁-C₂ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound, or —CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound.

In a particular embodiment, each X¹ can be methyl; each X² and X³ independently can be methoxy; and each X⁴ can be —CH₂CH₂CH₂—, such that the compound corresponding to Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-isocyanurate.

As mentioned hereinabove, the at least one compound of Formula (Ia) can additionally or alternatively be at least partially hydroxylated and/or polymerized/oligomerized when added into the aqueous mixture to form a solution.

III.C. Compounds of Formula (IIa)

In additional embodiments, the methods provided herein can comprise adding to the aqueous solution a compound of formula [X⁵OX⁶SiCH₂]₃ (IIa), to obtain an organosilica material which is a copolymer comprising at least one independent unit of Formula (I) as described herein and at least one independent unit of Formula (II) as described herein, wherein each X⁵ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group and each X⁶ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group.

In various embodiments, each X⁵ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁶ can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁶ can be a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁶ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁵ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and each X⁶ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

In a particular embodiment, each X⁵ can be ethyl and each X⁶ can be ethoxy, such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexaethoxy-1,3,5-trisilacyclohexane, ([(EtO)₂SiCH₂]₃).

In a particular embodiment, each X⁵ can be ethyl and each X⁶ can be methyl, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-triethoxy-1,3,5-trisilacyclohexane, ([EtOCH₃SiCH₂]₃).

In another particular embodiment, tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexaethoxy-1,3,5-trisalacyclohexane can be added to aqueous mixture to obtain an organosilica material with is copolymer comprising independent units of Formula (I) and independent units of Formula (II).

When more than one compound of Formula (IIa) is used, the respective compounds may be used in a wide variety of molar ratios. For example, if two compounds of Formula (IIa) are used, the molar ratio of each compound may vary from 1:99 to 99:1, such as from 10:90 to 90:10. The use of different compounds of Formula (IIa) allows to tailor the properties of the organosilica materials made by the process of the invention, as will be further explained in the examples and in the section of this specification describing the properties of the organosilicas made by the present processes.

III.D. Compounds of Formula (IIIa)

In additional embodiments, the methods provided herein can further comprise adding to the aqueous solution a compound of Formula X⁷OX⁸X⁹X¹⁰Si (IIIa) to obtain an organosilica material which is a copolymer comprising at least one independent unit of Formula (I) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (II) as described herein and at least one independent unit of Formula (III) as described herein, wherein each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ each independently can be selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group.

In one embodiment, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or methyl. In particular, each X⁷ can be methyl or ethyl.

Additionally or alternatively, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₅ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₉ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₈ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₇ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or a methylamine. In particular, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₉ alkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing alkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.). Examples of nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl groups include, but are not limited to,

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group. The nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group can be a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₂ heteroaralkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ heteroaralkyl group. Examples of nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl groups include but are not limited to pyridinylethyl, pyridinylpropyl, pyridinylmethyl, indolylmethyl, pyrazinylethyl, and pyrazinylpropyl. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group or a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl group, wherein the heterocycloalkyl group may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group. The nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl group can be a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ heterocycloalkyl group. Examples of nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl groups include but are not limited to piperazinylethyl, piperazinylpropyl, piperidinylethyl, piperidinylpropyl. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing heterocycloalkyl groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.).

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and R⁴, R⁵ and R⁶ can be each independently a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R³ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₈ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X⁷ can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be each independently a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group.

In a particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be ethoxy, such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) ((EtO)₄Si).

In another particular embodiment, tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) ((EtO)₄Si) can be added to the aqueous mixture to obtain an organosilica material with is copolymer comprising units of Formula (I) and units of Formula (III).

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, X⁸ can be methyl and X⁹ and X¹⁰ can be ethoxy, such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) ((EtO)₃CH₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIa) can be methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) ((EtO)₃CH₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, X⁸ and X⁹ can be ethoxy and each X^(m) can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane(H₂N(CH₂)₃(EtO)₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIa) can be (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane(H₂N(CH₂)₃(EtO)₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be methyl, X⁸ and X⁹ each can be methoxy and each X¹⁰ can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIIa) can be (N,N-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane(((CH₃)₂N(CH₂)₃)(MeO)₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIa) can be (N,N-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane(((CH₃)₂N(CH₂)₃)(MeO)₃Si).

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, each X⁸ and X⁹ can be ethoxy and X¹⁰ can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIIa) can be (N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane((H₂N(CH₂)₂NH (CH₂)₃)(EtO)₂Si).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and Formula a compound of (IIa) can be (N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane((H₂N(CH₂)₂NH (CH₂)₃)(EtO)₂Si).

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, each X⁸ and X⁹ can be ethoxy and X¹⁰ can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be 4-methyl-1-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-piperazine.

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIIa) can be 4-methyl-1-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-piperazine.

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, each X⁸ and X⁹ can be ethoxy and X¹⁰ can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIIa) can be 4-(2-(triethoxysily)ethyl)pyridine.

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIa) can be 4-(2-(triethoxysily)ethyl)pyridine.

In another particular embodiment, each X⁷ can be ethyl, each X⁸ and X⁹ can be ethoxy and X¹⁰ can be

such that the compound corresponding to Formula (IIIa) can be 1-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IIIa) can be 1-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole.

Additionally or alternatively, the compound of Formula (IIIa) is selected from the group consisting of tetraethyl orthosilicate or methyltriethoxysilane, (N,N-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 4-methyl-1-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-piperazine, 4-(2-(triethoxysily)ethyl)pyridine, 1-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole, and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane.

The molar ratio of compound of Formula (Ia) to compound of Formula (IIIa) may vary within wide limits, such as from about 99:1 to about 1:99, from about 1:5 to about 5:1, from about 4:1 to about 1:4 or from about 3:2 to about 2:3. For example, a molar ratio of compound of Formula (Ia) to compound of Formula (IIIa) can be from about 4:1 to 1:4 or from about 2.5:1 to about 1:2.5, about 2:1 to about 1:2, such as about 1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.

III.E. Compounds of Formula (IVa)

In additional embodiments, the methods provided herein can further comprise adding to the aqueous solution a compound of Formula X¹¹X¹²X¹³Si—R⁴—SiX¹¹X¹²X¹³ (IVa) to obtain an organosilica material which is a copolymer comprising at at least one independent unit Formula (I) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (II) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (III) as described herein and at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) as described herein, wherein each X¹¹ independently represents a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; and each R⁴ is selected from the group consisting a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group.

In one embodiment, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₃ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, or methoxy.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group and each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or methyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group and a C₁-C₃ alkyl group each independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group and each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₇ alkylene group, a C₁-C₆ alkylene group, a C₁-C₅ alkylene group, a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₁-C₃ alkylene group, a C₁-C₂ alkylene group, or —CH₂—.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be a C₂-C₇ alkenylene group, a C₁-C₆ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₅ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ a alkenylene group, a C₂-C₃ alkenylene group, or —CH═CH—.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group or a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be a C₂-C₇ alkynylene group, a C₁-C₆ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₅ alkynylene group, a C₂-C₄ a alkynylene group, a C₂-C₃ alkynylene group, or —C≡C—.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group or a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₉ alkylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₈ alkylene group, or nitrogen containing C₃-C₈ alkylene group. The aforementioned nitrogen-containing alkylene groups may have one or more nitrogen atoms (e.g., 2, 3, etc.). Examples of nitrogen-containing alkylene groups include, but are not limited to,

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group or a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl, an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₄ aralkyl, or an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl. Examples of C₆-C₂₀ aralkyls include, but are not limited to, phenylmethyl, phenylethyl, and naphthylmethyl. The aralkyl may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, or an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl.

Additionally or alternatively, each R⁴ can be an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₆ heterocycloalkyl group, an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group, or an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group. Examples of C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, thienylmethyl, furylethyl, pyrrolylmethyl, piperazinylethyl, pyridylmethyl, benzoxazolylethyl, quinolinylpropyl, and imidazolylpropyl. The heterocycloalkyl may be optionally substituted with a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, particularly a C₁-C₄ alkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹¹ can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently can be a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ can be a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₁₀ aralkyl, or an optionally substituted C₄-C₁₂ heterocycloalkyl group.

In a particular embodiment, each X¹¹ and X¹² can be ethoxy, each X¹³ can be methyl and each R⁴ can be —CH₂CH₂—, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be 1,2-bis(methyldiethoxysilyl)ethane (CH₃(EtO)₂Si—CH₂CH₂—Si(EtO)₂CH₃).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IVa) can be 1,2-bis(methyldiethoxysilyl)ethane (CH₃(EtO)₂Si—CH₂CH₂—Si(EtO)₂CH₃).

In another particular embodiment, each X¹¹, X¹² and X¹³ can be ethoxy and each R⁴ can be —CH₂—, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be bis(triethoxysilyl)methane ((EtO)₃Si—CH₂—Si(EtO)₃).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IVa) can be bis(triethoxysilyl)methane ((EtO)₃Si—CH₂—Si(EtO)₃).

In another particular embodiment, each X¹¹, X¹² and X¹³ can be ethoxy and each R⁴ can be —HC═CH—, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene((EtO)₃Si—HC═CH—Si(EtO)₃).

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IVa) can be 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene((EtO)₃Si—HC═CH—Si(EtO)₃).

In a particular embodiment, each X¹¹, X¹² and X¹³ can be methoxy and each R⁴ can be

such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be N,N′-bis[(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine.

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IVa) can be N,N′-bis[(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine.

In another particular embodiment, each X¹¹ and X¹² can be ethoxy, X¹³ can be methyl and each R⁴ can be

such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be bis[(methyldiethoxysilyl)propyl]amine.

In another particular embodiment, a compound of Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and a compound of Formula (IVa) can be bis[(methyldiethoxysilyl)propyl]amine.

In another particular embodiment, each X¹¹ and X¹² can be methoxy, each X¹³ can be methyl and each R⁴ can be

such that compound corresponding to Formula (IVa) can be bis[(methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl]-N-methylamine.

In another particular embodiment, Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and Formula (IVa) can be bis[(methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl]-N-methylamine.

The molar ratio of compound of Formula (Ia) to compound of Formula (IVa) may vary within wide limits, such as from about 99:1 to about 1:99, from about 1:5 to about 5:1, from about 4:1 to about 1:4 or from about 3:2 to about 2:3. For example, a molar ratio of compound of Formula (Ia) to compound of Formula (IVa) can be from about 4:1 to 1:4 or from about 2.5:1 to 1:2.5, about 2:1 to about 1:2, such as about 1.5:1 to about 1.5:1.

III.F. Sources of Trivalent Metal Oxides

In additional embodiments, the methods provided herein can comprise adding to the aqueous solution a source of a trivalent metal oxide.

Sources of trivalent metal oxides can include, but are not limited to, corresponding salts, alkoxides, oxides, and/or hydroxides of the trivalent metal, e.g., aluminum sulphate, aluminum nitrate, colloidal alumina, aluminum trihydroxide, hydroxylated alumina, Al₂O₃, aluminum halides (e.g., AlCl₃), NaAlO₂, boron nitride, B₂O₃ and/or H₃BO₃.

In various aspects, the source of trivalent metal oxide may be a compound of formula M³(OX¹⁴)₃ (Va) to obtain an organosilica material which is a copolymer comprising at at least one independent unit Formula (I) as described herein, optionally at least one unit of Formula (II) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (III) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) as described herein and at least one independent unit of Formula (V), wherein M³ can be a Group 13 metal and each X¹⁴ independently can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group.

In one embodiment, M³ can be B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, or Uut. In particular, M³ can be Al or B.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹⁴ can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl. In particular, each X¹⁴ can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, M³ can be Al or B and each X¹⁴ can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

In a particular embodiment, M³ can be Al and each X¹⁴ can be methyl, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be aluminum trimethoxide.

In a particular embodiment, M³ can be Al and each X¹⁴ can be ethyl, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be aluminum triethoxide.

In a particular embodiment, M³ can be Al and each X¹⁴ can be propyl, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be aluminum isopropoxide.

In a particular embodiment, M³ can be Al and each X¹⁴ can be butyl, such that compound corresponding to Formula (IIa) can be aluminum tri-sec-butoxide.

In another particular embodiment, Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxy-silylpropyl)isocyanurate and Formula (Va) can be selected from the group consisting of aluminum trimethoxide, aluminum triethoxide, aluminum isopropoxide, and aluminum tri-sec-butoxide.

In another particular embodiment, Formula (Ia) can be tris(3-trimethoxy-silylpropyl)isocyanurate and Formula (Va) can be aluminum tri-sec-butoxide.

Additionally or alternatively, the source of trivalent metal oxide may be a compound of Formula (X¹⁵O)₂M⁴-O—Si(OX¹⁶)₃ (VIa), to obtain an organosilica material which is a copolymer comprising at at least one independent unit Formula (I) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (II) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (III) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) as described herein, optionally at least one independent unit of Formula (V) and at least one independent unit of Formula (VI), wherein M⁴ can be a Group 13 metal and each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ independently can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group.

In one embodiment, M⁴ can be B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, or Uut. In particular, M⁴ can be Al or B.

Additionally or alternatively, each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ independently can be a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, a C₁-C₅ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₃ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or methyl. In particular, each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ independently can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, M⁴ can be Al or B and each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ independently can be methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl.

Additionally or alternatively, the source of a trivalent metal oxide may be a source of a compound of Formula (IV) (e.g., AlCl₃), and/or a source of a compound of Formula (V).

The molar ratio of compound of Formula (Ia) to trivalent metal oxide may vary within wide limits, such as from about 99:1 to about 1:99, from about 30:1 to about 1:1, from about 25:1 to about 1:1, from about 20:1 to about 3:1 or from about 20:1 to about 5:1.

III.G. Metal Chelate Sources

In additional embodiments, the methods provided herein can further comprise adding to the aqueous solution a source of metal chelate compounds.

Examples of metal chelate compounds, when present, can include titanium chelate compounds such as triethoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, tri-n-propoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, tri-i-propoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, tri-n-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, tri-sec-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, tri-t-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)titanium, diethoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, di-n-propoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, di-i-propoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, di-n-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, di-sec-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, di-t-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)titanium, monoethoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)titanium, mono-n-propoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)titanium, mono-i-propoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)titatium, mono-n-butoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)titanium, mono-sec-butoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)titanium, mono-t-butoxy-tris(acetylacetonato)titanium, tetrakis(acetylacetonato)titanium, triethoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetaato)titanium, tri-n-propoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, tri-i-propoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, tri-n-butoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, tri-sec-butoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, tri-t-butoxy-mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, diethoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, di-n-propoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, di-i-propoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, di-n-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, di-sec-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, di-t-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, monoethoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, mono-n-propoxy.tris(ethylacetoaetato)titanium, mono-i-propoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, mono-n-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, mono-sec-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, mono-t-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, tetrakis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, mono(acetylacetonato)tris(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, bis(acetylacetonato)bis(ethylacetoacetato)titanium, and tris(acetylacetonato)mono(ethylacetoacetato)titanium; zirconium chelate compounds such as triethoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tri-n-propoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tri-i-propoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tri-n-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tri-sec-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tri-t-butoxy.mono(acetylacetonato)zirconium, diethoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, di-n-propoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, di-i-propoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, di-n-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, di-sec-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, di-t-butoxy.bis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, monoethoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, mono-n-propoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, mono-i-propoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, mono-n-butoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, mono-sec-butoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, mono-t-butoxy.tris(acetylacetonato)zirconium, tetrakis(acetylacetonato)zirconium, triethoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tri-n-propoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tri-i-propoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tri-n-butoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tri-sec-butoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tri-t-butoxy.mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, diethoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, di-n-propoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, di-i-propoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, di-n-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato) zirconium, di-sec-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, di-t-butoxy.bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, monoethoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, mono-n-propoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, mono-i-propoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato) zirconium, mono-n-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, mono-sec-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, mono-t-butoxy.tris(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, tetrakis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, mono(acetylacetonato)tris(ethylacetoacetato) zirconium, bis(acetylacetonato)bis(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium, and tris(acetylacetonato)mono(ethylacetoacetato)zirconium; and aluminum chelate compounds such as tris(acetylacetonato)aluminum and tris(ethylacetoacetato)aluminum. Of these, the chelate compounds of titanium or aluminum can be of note, of which the chelate compounds of titanium can be particularly of note. These metal chelate compounds may be used either singly or in combination

III.H. Molar Ratio

In the methods described herein, a molar ratio of Formula (Ia):Formula (IIa), Formula (Ia):Formula (IIIa) of about 99:1 to about 1:99, about 75:1 to about 1:99, about 50:1 to about 1:99, about 25:1 to about 1:99, about 15:1 to about 1:99, about 50:1 to about 1:50, about 25:1 to about 1:25 or about 15:1 to about 1:15 may be used. For example, molar ratios of about 3:2, about 4:1, about 4:3, about 5:1, about 2:3, about 1:1 about 5:2 and about 15:1 may be used. For example, a molar ratio of Formula (Ia):Formula (IIa), and/or Formula (Ia):Formula (IIIa) can be about 3:2.

For the sake of the following discussion, the compounds of Formula (IIa), (IIIa), (IVa) shall be referred to collectively as starting siloxane. Depending on the choice of starting materials, the solution may have a variety of compositions. For example, if base is used, the solution may have molar ratios of starting siloxane to OH⁻ of from about 1:5 to about 1:20, such as from about 1:5 to about 1:15 or from about 1:5 to 1:10, or from about 1:6 to 1:20. If acid is used, the solution may have molar ratios of starting siloxane:H⁺ of from about 50:1 to about 5:1, such as from about 45:1 to about 10:1. In both cases when acid or base is used, the molar ratios of starting siloxane to H₂O may vary from about 1:50 to about 1:1000, such as from about 1:100 to about 1:500.

III.I Aging the Solution

The solution formed in the methods described herein can be aged for at least about 4 hours, at least about 6 hours, at least about 12 hours, at least about 18 hours, at least about 24 hours (1 day), at least about 30 hours, at least about 36 hours, at least about 42 hours, at least about 48 hours (2 days), at least about 54 hours, at least about 60 hours, at least about 66 hours, at least about 72 hours (3 days), at least about 96 hours (4 days), at least about 120 hours (5 days) or at least about 144 hours (6 days).

Additionally or alternatively, the solution formed in the methods described herein can be aged for about 4 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 4 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 4 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 4 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 4 hours to about 66 hours, about 4 hours to about 60 hours, about 4 hours to about 54 hours, about 4 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 4 hours to about 42 hours, about 4 hours to about 36 hours, about 4 hours to about 30 hours, about 4 hours to about 24 hours (1 day), about 4 hours to about 18 hours, about 4 hours to about 12 hours, about 4 hours to about 6 hours, about 6 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 6 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 6 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 6 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 6 hours to about 66 hours, about 6 hours to about 60 hours, about 6 hours to about 54 hours, about 6 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 6 hours to about 42 hours, about 6 hours to about 36 hours, about 6 hours to about 30 hours, about 6 hours to about 24 hours (1 day), about 6 hours to about 18 hours, about 6 hours to about 12 hours, about 12 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 12 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 12 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 12 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 12 hours to about 66 hours, about 12 hours to about 60 hours, about 12 hours to about 54 hours, about 12 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 12 hours to about 42 hours, about 12 hours to about 36 hours, about 12 hours to about 30 hours, about 12 hours to about 24 hours (1 day), about 12 hours to about 18 hours, about 18 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 18 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 18 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 18 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 18 hours to about 66 hours, about 18 hours to about 60 hours, about 18 hours to about 54 hours, about 18 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 18 hours to about 42 hours, about 18 hours to about 36 hours, about 18 hours to about 30 hours, about 18 hours to about 24 hours (1 day), about 24 hours (1 day) to about 144 hours (6 days), about 24 (1 day) hours (1 day) to about 120 hours (5 days), about 24 hours (1 day) to about 96 hours (4 days), about 24 hours (1 day) to about 72 hours (3 days), about 24 hours (1 day) to about 66 hours, about 24 hours (1 day) to about 60 hours, about 24 hours (1 day) to about 54 hours, about 24 hours (1 day) to about 48 hours (2 days), about 24 hours (1 day) to about 42 hours, about 24 hours (1 day) to about 36 hours, about 24 hours (1 day) to about 30 hours, about 30 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 30 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 30 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 30 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 30 hours to about 66 hours, about 30 hours to about 60 hours, about 30 hours to about 54 hours, about 30 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 30 hours to about 42 hours, about 30 hours to about 36 hours, about 36 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 36 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 36 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 36 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 36 hours to about 66 hours, about 36 hours to about 60 hours, about 36 hours to about 54 hours, about 36 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 36 hours to about 42 hours, about 42 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 42 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 42 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 42 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 42 hours to about 66 hours, about 42 hours to about 60 hours, about 42 hours to about 54 hours, about 42 hours to about 48 hours (2 days), about 48 hours (2 days) to about 144 hours (6 days), about 48 hours (2 days) to about 120 hours (5 days), about 48 hours (2 days) to about 96 hours (4 days), about 48 hours (2 days) to about 72 hours (3 days), about 48 hours (2 days) to about 66 hours, about 48 hours (2 days) to about 60 hours, about 48 hours (2 days) to about 54 hours, about 54 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 54 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 54 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 54 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 54 hours to about 66 hours, about 54 hours to about 60 hours, about 60 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 60 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 60 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 60 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 60 hours to about 66 hours, about 66 hours to about 144 hours (6 days), about 66 hours to about 120 hours (5 days), about 66 hours to about 96 hours (4 days), about 66 hours to about 72 hours (3 days), about 72 hours (3 days) to about 144 hours (6 days), about 72 hours (3 days) to about 120 hours (5 days), about 72 hours (3 days) to about 96 hours (4 days), about 96 hours (4 days) to about 144 hours (6 days), about 96 hours (4 days) to about 120 hours (5 days), or about 120 hours (5 days) to about 144 hours (6 days).

Additionally or alternatively, the solution formed in the method can be aged at temperature of at least about 10° C., at least about 20° C., at least about 30° C., at least about 40° C., at least about 50° C., at least about 60° C., at least about 70° C., at least about 80° C., at least about 90° C., at least about 100° C., at least about 110° C., at least about 120° C. at least about 130° C., at least about 140° C., at least about 150° C., at least about 175° C., at least about 200° C., at least about 250° C., or about 300° C.

Additionally or alternatively, the solution formed in the method can be aged at temperature of about 10° C. to about 300° C., about 10° C. to about 250° C., about 10° C. to about 200° C., about 10° C. to about 175° C., about 10° C. to about 150° C., about 10° C. to about 140° C., about 10° C. to about 130° C., about 10° C. to about 120° C., about 10° C. to about 110° C., about 10° C. to about 100° C., about 10° C. to about 90° C., about 10° C. to about 80° C., about 10° C. to about 70° C., about 10° C. to about 60° C., about 10° C. to about 50° C., about 20° C. to about 300° C., about 20° C. to about 250° C., about 20° C. to about 200° C., about 20° C. to about 175° C., about 20° C. to about 150° C., about 20° C. to about 140° C., about 20° C. to about 130° C., about 20° C. to about 120° C., about 20° C. to about 110° C., about 20° C. to about 100° C., about 20° C. to about 90° C., about 20° C. to about 80° C., about 20° C. to about 70° C., about 20° C. to about 60° C., about 20° C. to about 50° C., about 30° C. to about 300° C., about 30° C. to about 250° C., about 30° C. to about 200° C., about 30° C. to about 175° C., about 30° C. to about 150° C., about 30° C. to about 140° C., about 30° C. to about 130° C., about 30° C. to about 120° C., about 30° C. to about 110° C., about 30° C. to about 100° C., about 30° C. to about 90° C., about 30° C. to about 80° C., about 30° C. to about 70° C., about 30° C. to about 60° C., about 30° C. to about 50° C., about 50° C. to about 300° C., about 50° C. to about 250° C., about 50° C. to about 200° C., about 50° C. to about 175° C., about 50° C. to about 150° C., about 50° C. to about 140° C., about 50° C. to about 130° C., about 50° C. to about 120° C., about 50° C. to about 110° C., about 50° C. to about 100° C., about 50° C. to about 90° C., about 50° C. to about 80° C., about 50° C. to about 70° C., about 50° C. to about 60° C., about 70° C. to about 300° C., about 70° C. to about 250° C., about 70° C. to about 200° C., about 70° C. to about 175° C., about 70° C. to about 150° C., about 70° C. to about 140° C., about 70° C. to about 130° C., about 70° C. to about 120° C., about 70° C. to about 110° C., about 70° C. to about 100° C., about 70° C. to about 90° C., about 70° C. to about 80° C., about 80° C. to about 300° C., about 80° C. to about 250° C., about 80° C. to about 200° C., about 80° C. to about 175° C., about 80° C. to about 150° C., about 80° C. to about 140° C., about 80° C. to about 130° C., about 80° C. to about 120° C., about 80° C. to about 110° C., about 80° C. to about 100° C., about 80° C. to about 90° C., about 90° C. to about 300° C., about 90° C. to about 250° C., about 90° C. to about 200° C., about 90° C. to about 175° C., about 90° C. to about 150° C., about 90° C. to about 140° C., about 90° C. to about 130° C., about 90° C. to about 120° C., about 90° C. to about 110° C., about 90° C. to about 100° C., about 100° C. to about 300° C., about 100° C. to about 250° C., about 100° C. to about 200° C., about 100° C. to about 175° C., about 100° C. to about 150° C., about 100° C. to about 140° C., about 100° C. to about 130° C., about 100° C. to about 120° C., about 100° C. to about 110° C., about 110° C. to about 300° C., about 110° C. to about 250° C., about 110° C. to about 200° C., about 110° C. to about 175° C., about 110° C. to about 150° C., about 110° C. to about 140° C., about 110° C. to about 130° C., about 110° C. to about 120° C., about 120° C. to about 300° C., about 120° C. to about 250° C., about 120° C. to about 200° C., about 120° C. to about 175° C., about 120° C. to about 150° C., about 120° C. to about 140° C., about 120° C. to about 130° C., about 130° C. to about 300° C., about 130° C. to about 250° C., about 130° C. to about 200° C., about 130° C. to about 175° C., about 130° C. to about 150° C., or about 130° C. to about 140° C.

III.J. Drying the Pre-Product

The methods described herein comprise drying the pre-product (e.g., a gel) to produce an organosilica material.

In some embodiments, the pre-product (e.g., a gel) formed in the method can be dried at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 50° C., greater than or equal to about 70° C., greater than or equal to about 80° C., greater than or equal to about 100° C., greater than or equal to about 110° C., greater than or equal to about 120° C., greater than or equal to about 150° C., greater than or equal to about 200° C., greater than or equal to about 250° C., greater than or equal to about 300° C., greater than or equal to about 350° C., greater than or equal to about 400° C., greater than or equal to about 450° C., greater than or equal to about 500° C., greater than or equal to about 550° C., or greater than or equal to about 600° C.

Additionally or alternatively, the pre-product (e.g., a gel) formed in the method can be dried at temperature of about 50° C. to about 600° C., about 50° C. to about 550° C., about 50° C. to about 500° C., about 50° C. to about 450° C., about 50° C. to about 400° C., about 50° C. to about 350° C., about 50° C. to about 300° C., about 50° C. to about 250° C., about 50° C. to about 200° C., about 50° C. to about 150° C., about 50° C. to about 120° C., about 50° C. to about 110° C., about 50° C. to about 100° C., about 50° C. to about 80° C., about 50° C. to about 70° C., about 70° C. to about 600° C., about 70° C. to about 550° C., about 70° C. to about 500° C., about 70° C. to about 450° C., about 70° C. to about 400° C., about 70° C. to about 350° C., about 70° C. to about 300° C., about 70° C. to about 250° C., about 70° C. to about 200° C., about 70° C. to about 150° C., about 70° C. to about 120° C., about 70° C. to about 110° C., about 70° C. to about 100° C., about 70° C. to about 80° C., about 80° C. to about 600° C., about 70° C. to about 550° C., about 80° C. to about 500° C., about 80° C. to about 450° C., about 80° C. to about 400° C., about 80° C. to about 350° C., about 80° C. to about 300° C., about 80° C. to about 250° C., about 80° C. to about 200° C., about 80° C. to about 150° C., about 80° C. to about 120° C., about 80° C. to about 110° C., or about 80° C. to about 100° C.

In a particular embodiment, the pre-product (e.g., a gel) formed in the method can be dried at temperature from about 70° C. to about 200° C.

Additionally or alternatively, the pre-product (e.g., a gel) formed in the method can be dried in a N₂ and/or air atmosphere.

III.K. Optional Further Steps

In some embodiments, the method can further comprise calcining the organosilica material to obtain a silica material. The calcining can be performed in air or an inert gas, such as nitrogen or air enriched in nitrogen. Calcining can take place at a temperature of at least about 300° C., at least about 350° C., at least about 400° C., at least about 450° C., at least about 500° C., at least about 550° C., at least about 600° C., or at least about 650° C., for example at least about 400° C. Additionally or alternatively, calcining can be performed at a temperature of about 300° C. to about 650° C., about 300° C. to about 600° C., about 300° C. to about 550° C., about 300° C. to about 400° C., about 300° C. to about 450° C., about 300° C. to about 400° C., about 300° C. to about 350° C., about 350° C. to about 650° C., about 350° C. to about 600° C., about 350° C. to about 550° C., about 350° C. to about 400° C., about 350° C. to about 450° C., about 350° C. to about 400° C., about 400° C. to about 650° C., about 400° C. to about 600° C., about 400° C. to about 550° C., about 400° C. to about 500° C., about 400° C. to about 450° C., about 450° C. to about 650° C., about 450° C. to about 600° C., about 450° C. to about 550° C., about 450° C. to about 500° C., about 500° C. to about 650° C., about 500° C. to about 600° C., about 500° C. to about 550° C., about 550° C. to about 650° C., about 550° C. to about 600° C. or about 600° C. to about 650° C.

IV. ORGANOSILICA MATERIAL PRODUCT-BY-PROCESS

Organosilica materials can be made from the methods described herein. In another particular embodiment, organosilica materials made from an aqueous mixture as described herein that contains essentially no structure directing agent or porogen as described herein, wherein the organosilica material may be:

-   -   (i) a polymer comprising at least one independent unit of         Formula (I) as described herein: or (ii) a copolymer comprising         at least one independent unit of Formula (I) as described herein         and one or more of the following monomers:         -   (a) at least one independent unit of Formula (II) as             described herein;         -   (b) at least one independent unit of Formula (III) as             described herein;         -   (c) at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) as             described herein;         -   (d) at least one independent unit of Formula (V) as             described herein; or         -   (e) at least one independent unit of Formula (VI) as             described herein.

The organosilica materials made from the methods described herein may exhibit an XRD pattern as described herein, particularly with only one peak between about 1 and about 3 degrees 2θ. Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica materials made from the methods described herein can exhibit substantially no peaks in the range of about 0.5 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 0.5 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 60 degrees 2θ, about 0.5 to about 70 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 2 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 60 degrees 2θ, about 2 to about 70 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 10 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 12 degrees 2θ range, about 3 to about 15 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 20 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 30 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 40 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 50 degrees 2θ, about 3 to about 60 degrees 2θ, or about 3 to about 70 degrees 2θ.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica materials may have an average pore diameter as described herein, particularly, between about 1.5 nm and about 20 nm.

V. USES OF THE ORGANOSILICA MATERIALS

The organosilica materials described herein find uses in several areas.

In certain embodiments, the organosilica material described herein can be used as adsorbents or support matrices for separation and/or catalysis processes.

Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica materials described herein can be used as a binder for zeolitic and non-zeolitic materials for use in separation processes (e.g., sorption) and/or for use in catalysis.

V.A. Color Removal

In some cases, the organosilica materials can be used in a method for reducing impurities in a liquid hydrocarbon product. The method can comprise contacting a liquid hydrocarbon product with the organosilica material described herein and as prepared according to the methods described herein. In particular, the organosilica material may comprise units of Formula (I) and optionally units of Formula (II) and/or Formula (III).

In various aspects, the impurities can be polar compounds and/or aromatic compounds. The polar compounds and/or aromatic compounds may cause discoloration of the liquid hydrocarbon. As used herein, “polar compound” refers to a compound that has portions of negative and/or positive charges forming negative and/or positive poles. While a polar compound does not carry a net electric charge, the electrons are unequally shared between the nuclei. Water is considered a polar compound in the present invention. Examples of polar compounds, include but are not limited to nitrogen-containing compounds (e.g., N₂, NH₃, NO₂, pyrrole, pyridine, quinoline, indazole, etc.) and sulfur-containing compounds (e.g., SO₂, H₂S, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the aromatic compound can be a single ring aromatic, a double ring aromatic and/or a multi-ring aromatic (e.g., 3 or more rings). Examples of single ring aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, benzene, toulene, furan, pyrrole, thiophene, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, and triazine. Examples of double ring aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, benzothiophene, purine, benzimidazole, indazole, naphthalene, quinoline, and quinoxaline. Examples of multi-ring aromatic compounds include, but are not limited to, anthracene, acridine, phenanthrene, tetracene, chrysene, triphenylene, pyrene, pentacene, coronene, and corannulene. In particular, multi-ring aromatics are removed from the liquid hydrocarbon. Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can have a selectivity for multi-ring aromatics compared to single ring aromatics of at least about 1.1, at least about 1.2. at least about 1.4, at least about 1.5, at least about 1.6, at least about 1.8, at least about 2.0, at least about 2.5, at least about 3.0, or at least about 4.0. Additionally or alternatively, the organosilica material can have a selectivity for multi-ring aromatics compared to single ring aromatics of at least about 1.1 to about 4.0, at least about 1.1 to about 3.0, at least about 1.2 to about 2.5, at least about 1.1 to at least about 2.0, or at least about 1.1 to at least about 1.8.

Additionally or alternatively, the liquid hydrocarbon may comprise diesel fuel, jet fuel and/or gasoline. In particular, the liquid hydrocarbon may comprise diesel fuel. With regard to diesel fuel, color is one of the specifications for the final products. Color level of the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be measured according to D6045 ASTM.

Thus, in various aspects, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) following contact with the organosilica material as described herein may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM of less than or equal to about 4.0, less than or equal to about 3.5, less than or equal to about 3.0, less than or equal to about 2.5, less than or equal to about 2.0, less than or equal to about 1.5, less than or equal to about 1.0, or less than equal to about 0.1 or about 0.0. In particular, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) following contact with the organosilica material as described herein may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM of less than or equal to about 3.0 or less than or equal to about 2.5.

Additionally or alternatively, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) following contact with the organosilica material as described herein may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM of about 0.0 to about 4.0, about 0.0 to about 3.0, about 0.0 to about 2.0, about 0.0 to about 1.0, about 0.1 to about 4.0, about 0.1 to about 3.0, about 0.1 to about 2.0, about 0.0 to about 1.0, about 0.5 to about 4.0, about 0.5 to about 3.5, about 0.5 to about 3.0, about 0.5 to about 2.5, about 0.5 to about 2.0, about 0.5 to about 1.5, about 0.5 to about 1.0, about 1.0 to about 4.0, about 1.0 to about 3.5, about 1.0 to about 3.0, about 1.0 to about 2.5, about 1.0 to about 2.0, about 1.0 to about 1.5, about 1.5 to about 4.0, about 1.5 to about 3.5, about 1.5 to about 3.0, about 1.5 to about 2.5, about 1.5 to about 2.0, about 2.0 to about 4.0, about 2.0 to about 3.5, about 2.0 to about 3.0, or about 2.0 to about 2.5.

In some cases, discoloration in the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be due to aromatic compounds (e.g., multi-ring aromatic) and/or polar compounds present in the liquid hydrocarbon product at various sulfur levels. Thus, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) prior to contact with the organosilica material described herein may comprise less than or equal to about 50 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 45 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 40 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 35 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 30 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 25 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 20 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 8 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 15 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 10 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 8 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 5 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 3 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 2 ppm sulfur, less than or equal to about 1 ppm sulfur, or less than or equal to about 0.1 ppm sulfur. Particularly, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) prior to contact with the organosilica material described herein may comprise less than or equal to about 20 ppm sulfur or less than or equal to about 10 ppm sulfur.

Additionally or alternatively, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) prior to contact with the organosilica material described herein may comprise about 0.1 ppm to about 50 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 30 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 25 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 20 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 18 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 16 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 14 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 12 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 10 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 9 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 8 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 7 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 6 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 5 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 4 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 3 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 2 ppm sulfur, about 0.1 ppm to about 1 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 30 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 25 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 20 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 18 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 16 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 14 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 12 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 10 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 9 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 8 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 7 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 6 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 5 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 4 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 3 ppm sulfur, about 1 ppm to about 2 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 30 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 25 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 20 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 18 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 16 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 14 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 12 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 10 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 9 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 8 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 7 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 6 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 5 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 4 ppm sulfur, about 2 ppm to about 3 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 40 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 30 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 25 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 20 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 18 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 16 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 14 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 12 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 10 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 9 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 8 ppm sulfur, about 5 ppm to about 7 ppm sulfur, or about 5 ppm to about 6 ppm sulfur,

Additionally or alternatively, single ring aromatics, double ring aromatics or multi-ring aromatics, separately or together, may be removed from a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) in an amount of less than about 1 wt. %, less than about 2 wt. %, less than about 4 wt. %, less than about 5 wt. %, less than about 6 wt. %, less than about 8 wt. %, or less than about 10 wt. %, In particular, multi-ring aromatics may be removed from a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) in amount of less than about 1 wt. %,

Additionally or alternatively, single ring aromatics, double ring aromatics or multi-ring aromatics, separately or together, may be removed from a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) in amount of about 1 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 2 wt. % to about 3 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 3 wt. % to about 4 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 4 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, about 5 wt. % to about 6 wt. %, about 6 wt. % to about 10 wt. %, about 6 wt. % to about 8 wt. %, or about 8 wt. % to about 10 wt. %.

In various aspects, a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted with the organosilica material described herein at a temperature of at least about 10° C., at least about 12° C., at least about 14° C., at least about 16° C., at least about 18° C., at least about 20° C., at least about 22° C., at least about 24° C., at least about 26° C., at least about 28° C., at least about 30° C., at least about 32° C., at least about 34° C., at least about 36° C., at least about 38° C., at least about 40° C., at least about 45° C., at least about 50° C., at least about 55° C., at least about 60° C., at least about 65° C., at least about 70° C., at least about 75° C., or at least about 80° C. In particular, a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted with the organosilica material described herein at a temperature about 10° C. to about 80° C., particularly about 12° C. to about 40° C., particularly about 14° C. to about 36° C., particularly about 18° C. to about 28° C. or particularly about 20° C. to about 28° C.

Additionally or alternatively, a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted with the organosilica material described herein at a temperature described above and at a pressure of at least about 2 psi, at least about 4 psi, at least about 5 psi, at least about 6 psi, at least about 8 psi, at least about 10 psi, at least about 12 psi, at least about 14 psi, at least about 16 psi, at least about 18 psi, at least about 20 psi, at least about 25 psi, or at least about 30 psi. In particular, a liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted with the organosilica material described herein at a temperature described above and at a pressure of about 2 psi to about 30 psi, particularly about 4 psi to about 25 psi, particularly about 5 psi to about 16 psi or particularly about 6 psi to about 14 psi.

In various aspects, the organosilica material may be packed into a column and the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted therein. Additionally or alternatively, the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel) may be contacted with organosilica material following hydrotreatment of the liquid hydrocarbon product (e.g., diesel fuel).

In another embodiment, a method for improving color in a diesel fuel product is provided herein. The method comprises contacting the diesel fuel product with the organosilica material as described herein resulting in an improved color diesel fuel product. An “improved color diesel fuel product” refers to a diesel fuel product with a lower color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM following contact with the organosilica material as described herein. For example, if a diesel fuel product initially has a color level of 5 as measured according to D6045 ASTM prior to contact with the organosilica material, an improved color diesel fuel product would have a color level of less than 5 as measured according to D6045 ASTM following contact with the organosilica material. In particular, the organosilica material may comprise units of Formula (I) and optionally units of Formula (II) and/or Formula (III).

In various aspects, the diesel fuel product may be contacted with the organosilica material as described herein at a temperature as described herein (e.g., about 18° C. to about 28° C.) and/or a pressure as described herein (e.g., about 5 psi to about 16 psi). Additionally or alternatively, the diesel fuel product may be contacted with the organosilica material following hydrotreatment of the diesel fuel. The organosilica material may be packed into a column.

The diesel fuel product may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM prior to contact with the organosilica material of at least about 3.0, at least about 3.5, at least about 4.0, at least about 4.5, at least about 5.0, at least about 5.5, at least about 6.0, at least about 6.5, at least about 7.0, at least about 7.5, at least about 8.0, at least about 9.0, or at least about 10. In particular, the diesel fuel product may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM prior to contact with the organosilica material of at least about 5.0. Additionally or alternatively, the diesel fuel product may have a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM prior to contact with the organosilica material of about 3.0 to about 10, about 3.5 to about 10, about 4.0 to about 10 or about 5.0 to about 10.

Additionally or alternatively, the improved color diesel fuel product may have color as measured according to D6045 ASTM following contact with the oganosilica material as described as described above, e.g., a color level as measured according to D6045 ASTM of less than or equal to about 3.0, or less than or equal to about 2.5.

V.B. Gas Separation Processes

In some cases, the organosilica materials can be used in a gas separation process as provided herein. The gas separation process can comprise contacting a gas mixture containing at least one contaminant with the organosilica material described herein as prepared according to the methods described herein.

In various embodiments, the gas separation process can be achieved by swing adsorption processes, such as pressure swing adsorption (PSA) and temperature swing adsorption (TSA). All swing adsorption processes typically have an adsorption step in which a feed mixture (typically in the gas phase) is flowed over an adsorbent to preferentially adsorb a more readily adsorbed component relative to a less readily adsorbed component. A component may be more readily adsorbed because of kinetic or equilibrium properties of the adsorbent. The adsorbent can typically be contained in a contactor that is part of the swing adsorption unit. The contactor can typically contain an engineered structured adsorbent bed or a particulate adsorbent bed. The bed can contain the adsorbent and other materials such as other adsorbents, mesopore filling materials, and/or inert materials used to mitigated temperature excursions from the heat of adsorption and desorption. Other components in the swing adsorption unit can include, but are not necessarily limited to, valves, piping, tanks, and other contactors. Swing adsorption processes are described in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,784,533; 8,784,534; 8,858,683; and 8,784,535, each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Examples of processes that can be used herein either separately or in combination are PSA, TSA, pressure temperature swing adsorption (PTSA), partial purge displacement swing adsorption (PPSA), PPTSA, rapid cycle PSA (RCPSA), RCTSA, RCPPSA and RCPTSA.

Swing adsorption processes can be applied to remove a variety of target gases, also referred to as “contaminant gas” from a wide variety of gas mixtures. Typically, in binary separation systems, the “light component” as utilized herein is taken to be the species or molecular component(s) not preferentially taken up by the adsorbent in the adsorption step of the process. Conversely in such binary systems, the “heavy component” as utilized herein is typically taken to be the species or molecular component(s) preferentially taken up by the adsorbent in the adsorption step of the process. However, in binary separation systems where the component(s) that is(are) preferentially adsorbed has(have) a lower molecular weight than the component(s) that is(are) not preferentially adsorbed, those descriptions may not necessarily correlate as disclosed above.

An example of gas mixture that can be separated in the methods described herein is a gas mixture comprising CH₄, such as a natural gas stream. A gas mixture comprising CH₄ can contain significant levels of contaminants such as H₂O, H₂S, CO₂, N₂, mercaptans, and/or heavy hydrocarbons. Additionally or alternatively, the gas mixture can comprise NO_(x) and/or SO_(x) species as contaminants, such as a waste gas stream, a flue gas stream and a wet gas stream. As used herein, the terms “NO_(x)” and “NO_(x)” species refers to the various oxides of nitrogen that may be present in waste gas, such as waste gas from combustion processes. The terms refer to all of the various oxides of nitrogen including, but not limited to, nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), nitrogen peroxide (N₂O), nitrogen pentoxide (N₂O₅), and mixtures thereof. As used herein, the terms “SO_(x),” and “SO_(x) species,” refers to the various oxides of sulfur that may be present in waste gas, such as waste gas from combustion processes. The terms refer to all of the various oxides of sulfur including, but not limited to, SO, SO₂, SO₃, SO₄, S₇O₂ and S₆O₂. Thus, examples of contaminants include, but are not limited to H₂O, H₂S, CO₂, N₂, mercaptans, heavy hydrocarbons, NO_(x) and/or SO_(x) species.

V.B. Aromatic Hydrogenation Process

The hydrogenation catalyst can further comprise a binder such as, but not limited to, active and inactive materials, inorganic materials, clays, ceramics, activated carbon, alumina, silica, silica-alumina, titania, zirconia, niobium oxide, tantalum oxide, or a combination thereof, particularly, silica-alumina, alumina, titania, or zirconia. These hydrogenation catalysts can be used for both hydrogenation and aromatic saturation of a feedstream.

In various embodiments, the hydrogenation process can be achieved by contacting a hydrocarbon feedstream comprising aromatics with a hydrogenation catalyst described herein in the presence of a hydrogen-containing treat gas in a first reaction stage operated under effective aromatics hydrogenation conditions to produce a reaction product with reduced aromatics content.

Hydrogen-containing treat gasses suitable for use in a hydrogenation process can be comprised of substantially pure hydrogen or can be mixtures of other components typically found in refinery hydrogen streams. It is preferred that the hydrogen-containing treat gas stream contains little, more preferably no, hydrogen sulfide. The hydrogen-containing treat gas purity should be at least about 50% by volume hydrogen, preferably at least about 75% by volume hydrogen, and more preferably at least about 90% by volume hydrogen for best results. It is most preferred that the hydrogen-containing stream be substantially pure hydrogen.

Feedstreams suitable for hydrogenation by the hydrogenation catalyst described herein include any conventional hydrocarbon feedstreams where hydrogenation or aromatic saturation is desirable. Typically, an input feed for an aromatic saturation process can be generated as a product or side-product from a previous type of hydroprocessing, such as hydrocracking for fuels or lubricant base stock production. A wide range of petroleum and chemical feedstocks can be hydroprocessed. Such feedstreams can include hydrocarbon fluids, diesel, kerosene, lubricating oil feedstreams, heavy coker gasoil (HKGO), de-asphalted oil (DAO), FCC main column bottom (MCB), steam cracker tar. Such feedstreams can also include other distillate feedstreams such as light to heavy distillates including raw virgin distillates, wax-containing feedstreams such as feeds derived from crude oils, shale oils and tar sands. Synthetic feeds such as those derived from the Fischer-Tropsch process can also be aromatically saturated using the hydrogenation catalyst described herein. Typical wax-containing feedstocks for the preparation of lubricating base oils have initial boiling points of about 315° C. or higher, and include feeds such as whole and reduced petroleum crudes, hydrocrackates, raffinates, hydrotreated oils, gas oils (such as atmospheric gas oils, vacuum gas oils, and coker gas oils), atmospheric and vacuum residues, deasphalted oils/residua (e.g., propane deasphalted residua, brightstock, cycle oil), dewaxed oils, slack waxes and Fischer-Tropsch wax, and mixtures of these materials. Such feeds may be derived from distillation towers (atmospheric and vacuum), hydrocrackers, hydrotreaters and solvent extraction units, and may have wax contents of up to 50% or more. Preferred lubricating oil boiling range feedstreams include feedstreams which boil in the range of 650-1100° F. Diesel boiling range feedstreams include feedstreams which boil in the range of 480-660° F. Kerosene boiling range feedstreams include feedstreams which boil in the range of 350-617° F.

Hydrocarbon feedstreams suitable for use herein also contain aromatics and nitrogen- and sulfur-contaminants. Feedstreams containing up to 0.2 wt. % of nitrogen, based on the feedstream, up to 3.0 wt. % of sulfur, and up to 50 wt. % aromatics can be used in the present process In various embodiments, the sulfur content of the feedstreams can be below about 500 wppm, or below about 300 wppm, or below about 200 wppm, or below about 100 wppm, or below about 50 wppm, or below about 15 wppm. The pressure used during an aromatic hydrogenation process can be modified based on the expected sulfur content in a feedstream. Feeds having a high wax content typically have high viscosity indexes of up to 200 or more. Sulfur and nitrogen contents may be measured by standard ASTM methods D2622 (sulfur), and D5453 and/or D4629 (nitrogen), respectively.

Effective hydrogenation conditions may be considered to be those conditions under which at least a portion of the aromatics present in the hydrocarbon feedstream are saturated, preferably at least about 50 wt. % of the aromatics are saturated, more preferably greater than about 75 wt. %. Effective hydrogenation conditions can include temperatures of from 150° C. to 400° C., a hydrogen partial pressure of from 740 to 20786 kPa (100 to 3000 psig), a space velocity of from 0.1 to 10 liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV), and a hydrogen to feed ratio of from 89 to 1780 m³/m³ (500 to 10000 scf/B).

Additionally or alternatively, effective hydrogenation conditions may be conditions effective at removing at least a portion of the nitrogen and organically bound sulfur contaminants and hydrogenating at least a portion of said aromatics, thus producing at least a liquid lube boiling range product having a lower concentration of aromatics and nitrogen and organically bound sulfur contaminants than the lube boiling range feedstream.

Additionally or alternatively, effective hydrogenation conditions may be conditions effective at removing at least a portion of the nitrogen and organically bound sulfur contaminants and hydrogenating at least a portion of said aromatics, thus producing at least a liquid diesel boiling range product having a lower concentration of aromatics and nitrogen and organically bound sulfur contaminants than the diesel boiling range feedstream.

As stated above, in some instances, the hydrocarbon feedstream (e.g., lube oil boiling range) may be hydrotreated to reduce the sulfur contaminants to below about 500 wppm, particularly below about 300 wppm, particularly below about 200 wppm or particularly below about 100 wppm. In such an embodiment, the process may comprise at least two reaction stages, the first reaction state containing a hydrotreating catalyst operated under effective hydrotreating conditions, and the second containing a hydrogenation catalyst has described herein operated under effective hydrogenation conditions as described above. Therefore, in such an embodiment, the hydrocarbon feedstream can be first contacted with a hydrotreating catalyst in the presence of a hydrogen-containing treat gas in a first reaction stage operated under effective hydrotreating conditions in order to reduce the sulfur content of the feedstream to within the above-described range. Thus, the term “hydrotreating” as used herein refers to processes wherein a hydrogen-containing treat gas is used in the presence of a suitable catalyst that is active for the removal of heteroatoms, such as sulfur, and nitrogen. Suitable hydrotreating catalysts for use in the present invention are any conventional hydrotreating catalyst and includes those which are comprised of at least one Group 8 metal, preferably Fe, Co and Ni, more preferably Co and/or Ni, and most preferably Ni; and at least one Group 6 metal, preferably Mo and W, more preferably Mo, on a high surface area support material, preferably alumina. Additionally or alternatively, more than one type of hydrotreating catalyst can be used in the same reaction vessel. The Group 8 metal may typically be present in an amount ranging from about 2 to 20 wt. %, preferably from about 4 to 12 wt. %. The Group 6 metal can typically be present in an amount ranging from about 5 to 50 wt. %, preferably from about 10 to 40 wt. %, and more preferably from about 20 to 30 wt. %. All metals weight percents are “on support” as described above.

Effective hydrotreating conditions may be considered to be those conditions that can effectively reduce the sulfur content of the feedstream (e.g., lube oil boiling range) to within the above-described ranges. Typical effective hydrotreating conditions can include temperatures ranging from about 150° C. to about 425° C., preferably about 200° C. to about 370° C., more preferably about 230° C. to about 350° C. Typical weight hourly space velocities (“WHSV”) may range from about 0.1 to about 20 hr⁻¹, preferably from about 0.5 to about 5 hr⁻¹. Any effective pressure can be utilized, and pressures can typically range from about 4 to about 70 atmospheres (405 to 7093 kPa), preferably 10 to 40 atmospheres (1013 to 4053 kPa). In a particular embodiment, said effective hydrotreating conditions may be conditions effective at removing at least a portion of said organically bound sulfur contaminants and hydrogenating at least a portion of said aromatics, thus producing at least a reaction product (e.g., liquid lube oil boiling range product) having a lower concentration of aromatics and organically bound sulfur contaminants than the lube oil boiling range feedstream.

The contacting of the hydrocarbon feedstream with the hydrotreating catalyst may produce a reaction product comprising at least a vapor product and a liquid product. The vapor product may typically comprise gaseous reaction products, such as H₂S, and the liquid reaction product may typically comprise a liquid hydrocarbon having a reduced level of nitrogen and sulfur contaminants. The total reaction product can be passed directly into the second reaction stage, but it may be preferred that the gaseous and liquid reaction products be separated, and the liquid reaction product conducted to the second reaction stage. Thus, in one embodiment, the vapor product and the liquid product may be separated, and the liquid product may be conducted to the second reaction stage. The method of separating the vapor product from the liquid product can be accomplished by any means known to be effective at separating gaseous and liquid reaction products. For example, a stripping tower or reaction zone can be used to separate the vapor product from the liquid product (e.g., liquid lube oil boiling range product). The liquid product thus conducted to the second reaction stage can have a sulfur concentration within the range of about 500 wppm, particularly below about 300 wppm, or particularly below about 200 wppm or particularly below about 100 wppm.

In still other embodiments, the hydrogenation catalysts described herein can be used in integrated hydroprocessing methods. In addition to the hydrofinishing and/or aromatic hydrogenation/saturation processes involving the hydrogenation catalyst described herein, an integrated hydroprocessing method can also include various combinations of hydrotreating, hydrocracking, catalytic dewaxing (such as hydrodewaxing), and/or solvent dewaxing. The scheme of hydrotreating followed by hydrofinishing described above represents one type of integrated process flow. Another integrated processing example is to have a dewaxing step, either catalytic dewaxing or solvent dewaxing, followed by hydroprocessing with the hydrogenation catalysts described herein. Still another example is a process scheme involving hydrotreating, dewaxing (catalytic or solvent), and then hydroprocessing with the hydrogenation catalysts described herein. Yet another example is hydroprocessing with the hydrogenation catalysts described herein followed by dewaxing (catalytic or solvent). Alternatively, multiple hydrofinishing and/or aromatic hydrogenation steps can be employed with hydrotreatment, hydrocracking, or dewaxing steps. An example of such a process flow is hydrofinishing, dewaxing (catalytic or solvent), and then hydrofinishing again, where at least one of the hydrofinishing steps may use a hydrogenation catalysts described herein. For processes involving catalytic dewaxing, effective catalytic dewaxing conditions can include temperatures of from 150° C. to 400° C., preferably 250° C. to 350° C., pressures of from 791 to 20786 kPa (100 to 3000 psig), preferably 1480 to 17338 kPa (200 to 2500 psig), liquid hourly space velocities of from 0.1 to 10 hr⁻¹, preferably 0.1 to 5 hr⁻¹ and hydrogen treat gas rates from 45 to 1780 m³/m³ (250 to 10000 scf/B), preferably 89 to 890 m³/m³ (500 to 5000 scf/B). Any suitable dewaxing catalyst may be used.

In embodiments where the product of an aromatic saturation process will be a lubricant base oil, the input feed should also have suitable lubricant base oil properties. For example, an input feed intended for use as a Group I or Group II base oil can have a viscosity index (VI) of at least about 80, preferably at least about 90 or at least about 95. An input feed intended for use as a Group I+ base oil can have a VI of at least about 100, while an input feed intended for use as a Group II+ base oil can have a VI of at least 110. The viscosity of the input feed can be at least 2 cSt at 100° C., or at least 4 cSt at 100° C., or at least 6 cSt at 100° C.

VI. FURTHER EMBODIMENTS

The invention can additionally or alternately include one or more of the following embodiments.

Embodiment 1

An organosilica material, which is a polymer of at least one independent cyclic polyurea monomer of Formula

wherein each R¹ independently is a Z¹OZ²Z³SiZ⁴ group, wherein

-   -   each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a         bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³         independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a         C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of         another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ represents a C₁-C₈ alkylene         group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea; and         optionally at least one other monomer selected from the group         consisting of:     -   (i) an independent unit of Formula [Z⁵OZ⁶SiCH₂]₃ (II), wherein         each Z⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl or a bond to a         silicon atom of another monomer, and each Z⁶ represents a         hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, or an         oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer;     -   (ii) an independent unit of Formula Z⁷OZ⁸Z⁹Z¹⁰Si (III), wherein         each Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a         bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰         are each independently selected from the group consisting of a         hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a         nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing         heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally         substituted heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to         a silicon atom of another monomer;     -   (iii) an independent unit of Formula Z¹¹Z¹²Z¹³Si—R²—SiZ¹¹Z¹²Z¹³         (IV), wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl         group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon         atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently         represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl         group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer;         and R² a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈         alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group,         an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally         substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group;     -   (iv) an independent unit of Formula M¹(OZ¹⁴)(V), wherein M¹         represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁴ independently         represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond to a silicon         atom of another monomer;     -   (v) an independent unit of Formula (Z¹⁵O)₂M²-O—Si(OZ¹⁶)₃ (VI),         wherein M² represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶         independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group or         a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and     -   (vi) a combination thereof.

Embodiment 2

The organosilica material of embodiment 1, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit and each Z⁴ represents a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

Embodiment 3

The organosilica material of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit and each Z⁴ represents —CH₂CH₂CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.

Embodiment 4

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (II) is present, wherein each Z⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer, and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 5

The organosilica material of embodiment 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, methyl, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 6

The organosilica material of embodiment 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 7

The organosilica material of embodiment 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents methyl.

Embodiment 8

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (III) is present, wherein each Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 9

The organosilica material of embodiment 8, wherein each Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl,

and an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 10

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) is present, wherein each Z¹¹ represents a hydroxyl group, C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² is selected from the group consisting a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group and a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group.

Embodiment 11

The organosilica material of embodiment 10, wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —HC═CH—,

Embodiment 12

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (V) is present, wherein M¹ is Al or B and each Z¹⁴ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom or another monomer.

Embodiment 13

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (VI) is present, wherein M² is Al or B; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.

Embodiment 14

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the organosilica material is mesoporous and has an average pore diameter of about 2.0 nm to about 25.0 nm.

Embodiment 15

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the organosilica material has a total surface area of about 200 m²/g to about 2500 m²/g.

Embodiment 16

The organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the organosilica material has a pore volume about 0.2 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g.

Embodiment 17

A method for preparing the organosilica material of any one of the previous embodiments, the method comprising:

(a) providing an aqueous mixture that contains essentially no structure directing agent and/or porogen,

(b) adding at least one cyclic compound of Formula

into the aqueous mixture to form a solution, wherein each R³ is independently a X¹OX²X³SiX⁴ group, wherein each X¹ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ represents a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound;

(c) aging the solution to produce a pre-product; and

(d) drying the pre-product to obtain an organosilica material which is a polymer comprising independent polyurea units of Formula (I).

Embodiment 18

The method of embodiment 17, wherein each X¹ represents a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; each X² and X³ independently represent a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; and each X⁴ represents a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic compound.

Embodiment 19

The method of embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the at least one compound of Formula (Ia) is tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate.

Embodiment 20

The method of any one of embodiments 17-19 further comprising adding to the aqueous mixture at least one compound selected from the group consisting of

-   -   (i) a compound of Formula [X⁵OX⁶SiCH₂]₃ (IIa), wherein each X⁵         represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group and each X⁶ represents a C₁-C₄         alkyl group or a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group;     -   (ii) a compound of Formula X⁷OX⁸X⁹X¹⁰Si (IIa), wherein each X⁷         represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl group; and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ are each         independently selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₆         alkyl group, a C₁-C₆ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀         alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a         nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl         group;     -   (iii) a compound of Formula X¹¹X¹²X¹³Si—R⁴—SiX¹¹X¹²X¹³ (IVa),         wherein each X¹¹ represents a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group; each X¹² and         X¹³ independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₄         alkyl group; and each R⁴ is selected from the group consisting a         C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈         alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkylene group,         an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally         substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group; and     -   (iv) a source of a trivalent metal oxide.

Embodiment 21

The method of embodiment 20, wherein the at least one compound is a compound of Formula (IIa), wherein each X⁵ represents a C₁-C₂ alkyl group and each X⁶ represents a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group.

Embodiment 22

The method of embodiment 20 or 21, wherein the compound of Formula (IIa) is 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexaethoxy-1,3,5-trisalacyclohexane or 1,3,5-trimethyl-1,3,5-triethoxy-1,3,5-trisilacyclohexane.

Embodiment 23

The method of any one of embodiments 20-22, wherein the at least one compound is a compound of Formula (IIIa), wherein each X⁷ is a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and X⁸, X⁹ and X¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group.

Embodiment 24

The method of embodiment 23, wherein the compound of Formula (IIIa) is selected from the group consisting of tetraethyl orthosilicate or methyltriethoxysilane, (N,N-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, 4-methyl-1-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)-piperazine, 4-(2-(triethoxysily)ethyl)pyridine, 1-(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole, and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane.

Embodiment 25

The method of any one of embodiments 20-24, wherein the at least one compound is a compound of Formula (IVa), wherein each X¹¹ represents a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group; each X¹² and X¹³ independently represent a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or a C₁-C₂ alkyl group; and each R⁴ is selected from the group consisting a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group, and a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkylene group.

Embodiment 26

The method of embodiment 25, wherein the compound of Formula (IVa) is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-bis(methyldiethoxysilyl)-ethane, bis(triethoxysilyl)methane, 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene, N,N′-bis[(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine, bis[(methyldiethoxysilyl)propyl]amine, and bis[(methyldimethoxysilyl)propyl]-N-methylamine.

Embodiment 27

The method of any one of embodiments 20-26, wherein the source of a trivalent metal oxide is at least one of:

(i) a compound of Formula M³(OX¹⁴)₃ (Va), wherein M³ represents a Group 13 metal and each X¹⁴ represents a C₁-C₆ alkyl; or

(ii) a compound of Formula (X¹⁵O)²M⁴-O—Si(OX¹⁶)₃ (VIa), wherein M⁴ represents a Group 13 metal and each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ each independently a C₁-C₆ alkyl group.

Embodiment 28

The method of embodiment 27, wherein the source of trivalent metal is a compound of Formula (Va), wherein M³ is Al or B and each X¹⁴ represents a C₁-C₄ alkyl group.

Embodiment 29

The method of embodiment 27, wherein the source of trivalent metal is a compound of Formula (VIa), wherein M⁴ is Al or B; and each X¹⁵ and each X¹⁶ independently represent a C₁-C₄ alkyl.

Embodiment 30

The method of any one of embodiments 17-29, wherein the aqueous mixture comprises a base and has a pH from about 9 to about 14.

Embodiment 31

The method of embodiment 30, wherein the base is ammonium hydroxide or a metal hydroxide.

Embodiment 32

The method of any one of embodiments 17-29, wherein the aqueous mixture comprises an acid and has a pH from about 0.3 to about 4.5.

Embodiment 33

The method of embodiment 32, wherein the acid is an inorganic acid.

Embodiment 34

The method of embodiment 32 or 33, wherein the acid is hydrochloric acid.

Embodiment 35

The method of any one embodiments 17-34, wherein the solution is aged in step (c) for up to 150 hours at a temperature of about 50° C. to about 200° C.

Embodiment 36

The method of any one embodiments 17-34, wherein the gel is dried at a temperature of about 70° C. to about 200° C.

Embodiment 37

An organosilica material obtainable by the method of any one of embodiments 17-36.

Embodiment 38

A method for reducing impurities in a liquid hydrocarbon product comprising contacting the liquid hydrocarbon product with the organosilica material of any one of embodiments 1-16 and 37.

Embodiment 39

The method of embodiment 38, wherein the liquid hydrocarbon product comprises diesel fuel, jet fuel, gasoline fuel and/or lube base stock.

Embodiment 40

The method of embodiment 38 or 39, wherein the impurities comprise polar compounds and/or aromatic compounds.

Embodiment 41

The method of embodiment 40, wherein the polar compounds comprise nitrogen-containing compounds and/or sulfur-containing compounds.

Embodiment 42

The method of embodiment 40 or 41, wherein the aromatic compounds comprise single ring aromatics, double ring aromatics, and/or multi-ring aromatics.

Embodiment 43

The method of any one of embodiments 38-42, wherein the liquid hydrocarbon product comprises diesel fuel.

Embodiment 44

The method of embodiment 43, wherein at least about 0.1 wt. %, or about 1.0 wt %, or about 5 wt. %, or about 10 wt. % of the multi-ring aromatics are removed from the diesel fuel.

Embodiment 45

The method of embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the diesel fuel is contacted with the organosilica material at a temperature of about 18° C. to about 200° C. and/or a pressure of about 5 psi to about 100 psi.

Embodiment 46

The method of any one of embodiments 43-45, wherein the diesel fuel comprises less than or equal to about 50 ppm sulfur.

Embodiment 47

The method of any one of embodiments 43-46, wherein the diesel fuel has a color level of less than or equal to 3.0 as measured according to D6045 ASTM following contact with the organosilica material.

Embodiment 48

The method of any one of embodiments 38-47, wherein the organosilica material has selectivity of at least 1.3 for multi-ring aromatics compared to total ring aromatics.

Embodiment 49

The method of any one of embodiments 38-48, wherein the organosilica material is packed into a column and the liquid hydrocarbon product is contacted therein.

Embodiment 50

The method of any one of embodiments 43-49, wherein the diesel fuel is contacted with the organosilica material following hydrotreatment of the diesel fuel.

Embodiment 51

A method for improving color in a diesel fuel product comprising contacting the diesel fuel product with the organosilica material of any one of embodiments 1-16 and 37 resulting in an improved color diesel fuel product.

Embodiment 52

The method of embodiment 51, wherein the diesel fuel product is contacted with the organosilica material at a temperature of about 18° C. to about 200° C. and/or a pressure of about 5 psi to about 100 psi.

Embodiment 53

The method of embodiment 51 or 52, wherein the diesel fuel product is contacted with the organosilica material following hydrotreatment of the diesel fuel.

Embodiment 54

The method of any one of embodiments 51-53, wherein the diesel fuel product has a color level of at least about 5.0 as measured according to D6045 ASTM prior to contact with the organosilica material.

Embodiment 55

The method of any one of embodiments 51-54, wherein the improved color diesel fuel product has a color level of less than or equal to about 3.0 as measured according to D6045 ASTM.

Embodiment 56

The method of any one of embodiments 51-55, wherein the organosilica material is packed into a column.

EXAMPLES General Methods

Small Angle X-ray Diffraction Analysis

X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns were collected on a PANalytical X′pert diffractometer equipped with an accessory for low angle measurements. XRD analyses were recorded using the Cu Ka (=1.5405980 Å) line in the 2θ range from 0.5 to 10° with a step size of 0.0167° and a counting time of 1.2 s.

Solid-State (SS) NMR Measurements

The ²⁹Si MAS NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian InfinityPlus-400 spectrometer (operating at 9.4 T) and Varian InfinityPlus-500 (operating at 11.74 T), corresponding to ²⁹Si Larmor frequencies of 79.4 MHz and 99.2 MHz, respectively, with a 7.5 mm MAS probe heads using 5 kHz spinning, 4.0 μs 90° pulses, and at least 60 s recycle delay, with proton decoupling during data acquisition. The ²⁹Si chemical shifts are referenced with respect to an external tetramethyl silane (δ_(Si)=0.0 ppm). The ¹³C CPMAS NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian InfinityPlus-500 spectrometer corresponding to ¹³C Larmor frequency of 125 MHz, with 1.6 mm MAS probe head using 40 kHz spinning, ¹H-¹³C cross-polarization (CP) contact time of at least 1 ms, a recycle delay of at least 1 s, with proton decoupling during data acquisition. The ¹³C chemical shifts are referenced with respect to an external tetramethyl silane (δ_(C)=0.0 ppm). The ²⁷Al MAS NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian InfinityPlus-500 corresponding to ²⁷Al Larmor frequency of 130.1 MHz using a 4 mm MAS probe head using 12 kHz spinning, with a π/12 radian pulse length, with proton decoupling during data acquisition, and a recycle delay of 0.3 s. The chemical shifts are referenced with respect to an external solution of Al(H₂O)₆ ³⁺ (δ_(A1)=0.0 ppm). All NMR spectra were recorded at room temperature using air for spinning.

Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA)

Thermal stability results were recorded on Q5000 TGA. Ramp rate was 5° C./min, temperature range was from 25° C. to 800° C. All the samples were tested in both air and nitrogen.

CO₂ Adsorption

The work was done with a Quantchrom autosorb iQ2. All the samples were pre-treated at 120° C. in vacuum for 3 hours before collecting the CO₂ isotherm at different temperatures.

Nitrogen Porosimetry

The nitrogen adsorption/desorption analyses was performed with different instruments, e.g. TriStar 3000, TriStar II 3020 and Autosorb-1. All the samples were pre-treated at 120° C. in vacuum for 4 hours before collecting the N₂ isotherm. The analysis program calculated the experimental data and report BET surface area, microporous surface area (S), total pore volume, pore volume for micropores, average pore diameter (or radius), etc.

Example 1—Organosilica Material Syntheses Using Formula (Ia), Formula (IIa) and/or Formula (IIIa) 1A. Synthesis using tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate

A solution with 6.23 g 30 wt. % NH₄OH and 7.92 g DI water (53 mmol NH₄OH; 682 mmol H₂O) was made. To the solution 1.53 g of tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate (2.5 mmol) was added to produce a solution having the molar composition:

2.5 tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate:53 NH₄OH:682 H₂O which was stirred at 22-25° C. for 1 day. The solution was transferred to an oven and kept at 70-75° C. for 1 day to produce a gel. The gel was dried in a vacuum at 120° C. overnight (16-24 hours) and Sample 1 was obtained. No surface directing agent or porogen were used.

XRD Analysis

XRD was performed on Sample 1. The XRD pattern of Sample 1 is shown in FIG. 4.

Nitrogen Adsorption/Desorption Analysis

Nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis was performed on Sample 1, and the results are provided in Table 1 below.

1B. Synthesis using tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) ((EtO₄)Si)

A solution with 6.23 g 30 wt. % NH₄OH and 7.92 g DI water (53 mmol NH₄OH; 682 mmol H₂O) was made. To the solution 0.61 g of tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate (1 mmol) and 0.312 g TEOS (1.5 mmol) was added to produce a solution having the molar composition:

1 tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate:1.5 TEOS:53 NH₄OH:682 H₂O which was stirred at 22-25° C. for 1 day. The solution was transferred to an oven and kept at 70-75° C. for 1 day to produce a gel. The gel was dried in a vacuum at 120° C. overnight (16-24 hours) and Sample 2 was obtained. No surface directing agent or porogen were used.

XRD Analysis

XRD was performed on Sample 2. The XRD pattern of Sample 2 is shown in FIG. 5.

Nitrogen Adsorption/Desorption Analysis

Nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis was performed on Sample 2, and the results are provided in Table 1 below.

1C. Synthesis using tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate and [(EtO)₂SiCH₂]₃,

A solution with 31.15 g 30 wt. % NH₄OH and 39.9 g DI water (265 mmol NH₄OH; 3.410 mol H₂O) was made. To the solution 12.2 g of tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate (20 mmol) and 12 g of [(EtO)₂SiCH₂]₃ (30 mmol) was added to produce a solution having the molar composition:

4 tris(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)isocyanurate:6 [(EtO)₂SiCH₂]₃:53 NH₄OH:682 H₂O which was stirred at 22-25° C. for 1 day. The solution was transferred to an oven and kept at 70-75° C. for 1 day to produce a gel. The gel was dried in a vacuum at 120° C. overnight (16-24 hours) and Sample 3 was obtained. No surface directing agent or porogen were used.

Nitrogen Adsorption/Desorption Analysis

Nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis was performed on Sample 3, and the results are provided in Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 BET S (m²/g, Pore Pore Volume Material (m²/g) micro) diameter (nm) (cc/g) Sample 1 659 220 2.79 0.459 Sample 2 733 0 3.84 0.64 Sample 3 769 0 3.88 0.734

Example 2—Batch Adsorption Experiment on Discolored Diesel Product

Experiments were done on a Perkin Elmer Lambda 850 UV-Vis spectrophotometer with Scantraq software by FTG. Samples were analyzed at room temp (˜15-25 C) in a ˜1 mm flow cell. If necessary, samples may be combined with cyclohexane in solution.

Sample 3 was tested in batch adsorption experiments on a discolored diesel product which was generated by high-temperature hydroteating of an on-spec diesel product. The feed color was measured according to ASTM D6045. The properties of the neat feed are shown below in Table 2.

TABLE 2 High-temperature Hydrotreated Diesel Property Product Color Level (D6045 ASTM L5.0 Method) Sulfur (ppm) 2.8 Total Nitrogen (ppm) 0.2 PARAFFINS (wt. %) 5.61 1-RING NAPHTHENES (wt. %) 12.18 2+ RING NAPHTHENES (wt. %) 38.22 1 RING AROMATICS (wt. %) 29.89 2 RING AROMATICS (wt. %) 8.41 3+ RINGS AROMATICS (wt. %) 5.69 TOTAL NAPHTHENES (wt. %) 50.41 TOTAL AROMATICS (wt. %) 43.98

The reduction of multi-ring aromatic compounds in the diesel feed treated with Sample 3 based on UV-Vis adsorption is shown below in Table 3. Aromatic content in a diesel sample can be determined by any convenient method. ASTM D2008 provides one example of a method of correlating UV-Vis data with a weight of aromatics in a sample. UV absorbance at 226 nm has previously been used to characterize the total aromatics content in a product, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,312. UV absorbance at 325 nm indicates the multi-ring aromatic content. The ratio of absorptivity at 325 nm to absorptivity at 226 nm shows the selectivity of multi-ring aromatic removal. UV-Vis adsorption spectra for the feed and Sample 3 is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, color improvement in the diesel feed is evidenced by the reduction of visible range absorption peak intensity at 400-600-nm wavelengths. Additionally, FIG. 2 provides a photograph of the feed before and after adsorption. As shown in FIG. 2, there was color improvement for the diesel feed treated with Sample 3 (lighter color) versus untreated diesel feed (darker color).

TABLE 3 Ratio of Absorptivity Absorptivity absorptivity @ 226 nm @ 325 nm @325 nm/ % % Absorptivity l/g-cm Reduction l/g-cm Reduction @ 226 nm Feed 46.675 — 0.3899 — Sample 3 43.847 6.1% 0.36 7.7 1.3 

What is claimed is:
 1. An organosilica material, which is a polymer of at least one independent cyclic polyurea monomer of Formula

wherein each R¹ independently is a Z¹OZ²Z³SiZ⁴ group, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; and each Z⁴ represents a C₁-C₈ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea; and at least one other monomer of an independent unit of Formula [Z⁵OZ⁶SiCH₂]₃ (II), wherein each Z⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer, and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and optionally at least one other monomer selected from the group consisting of: (i) an independent unit of Formula Z⁷OZ⁸Z⁹Z¹⁰Si (III), wherein Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₁-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing heteroaralkyl group, and a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; (ii) an independent unit of Formula Z¹¹Z¹²Z¹³Si—R²—SiZ¹¹Z¹²Z¹³ (IV), wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and R² a C₁-C₈ alkylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₈ alkynylene group, a nitrogen-containing C₂-C₁₀ alkylene group, an optionally substituted C₆-C₂₀ aralkyl and an optionally substituted C₄-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group; (iii) an independent unit of Formula M¹(OZ¹⁴)₃ (V), wherein M¹ represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁴ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; (iv) an independent unit of Formula (Z¹⁵O)₂M²-O—Si(OZ¹⁶)₃ (VI), wherein M² represents a Group 13 metal and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer; and (v) a combination thereof.
 2. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit and each Z⁴ represents a C₁-C₄ alkylene group bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.
 3. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein each Z¹ represents a hydrogen atom, methyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer unit; each Z² and Z³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, methoxy or an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer unit and each Z⁴ represents —CH₂CH₂CH₂— bonded to a nitrogen atom of the cyclic polyurea.
 4. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein each Z⁵ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer, and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 5. The organosilica material of claim 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, methyl, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 6. The organosilica material of claim 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents a hydroxyl group, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 7. The organosilica material of claim 4, wherein each Z⁵ represent a hydrogen atom, ethyl or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer and each Z⁶ represents methyl.
 8. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (III) is present, wherein Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group, C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a nitrogen-containing C₃-C₁₀ alkyl group, a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ heteroaralkyl group, or a nitrogen-containing optionally substituted C₄-C₁₀ heterocycloalkyl group, and an oxygen atom bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 9. The organosilica material of claim 8, wherein Z⁷ represents a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, or a bond to a silicon atom of another comonomer; and Z⁸, Z⁹ and Z¹⁰ are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl,

and an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 10. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (IV) is present, wherein each Z¹¹ represents a hydroxyl group, C₁-C₂ alkoxy group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another comonomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, a C₁-C₂ alkoxy group, a C₁-C₂ alkyl group or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² is selected from the group consisting a C₁-C₄ alkylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkenylene group, a C₂-C₄ alkynylene group and a nitrogen-containing C₄-C₁₀ alkyl group.
 11. The organosilica material of claim 10, wherein each Z¹¹ independently represents a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; each Z¹² and Z¹³ independently represent a hydroxyl group, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl or an oxygen bonded to a silicon atom of another monomer; and each R² is selected from the group consisting of —CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂—, —HC═CH—,


12. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (V) is present, wherein M¹ is Al or B and each Z¹⁴ independently represents a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom or another monomer.
 13. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein at least one independent unit of Formula (VI) is present, wherein M² is Al or B; and each Z¹⁵ and each Z¹⁶ independently represent a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or a bond to a silicon atom of another monomer.
 14. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein the organosilica material is mesoporous and has an average pore diameter of about 2.0 nm to about 25.0 nm.
 15. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein the organosilica material has a total surface area of about 200 m²/g to about 2500 m²/g.
 16. The organosilica material of claim 1, wherein the organosilica material has a pore volume about 0.2 cm³/g to about 3.0 cm³/g. 